Four Corners

by wickedsinflower

Hermione, Harry and Draco seek to forfeit fate, deal with death, and tamper with time. Hermione in Marauder!Era, Mahōtokoro, Uagadou, Harry in Pre-Hogwarts & Founders!Era, Draco in Dark!Future- how will they work together to defeat an actually cunning!Voldemort. No OTP, EWE, Full Summary inside.

21. 2: II : 15 : Animistic II

II: Render

'/On such a full sea are we now afloat,/ And we must take the current when it serves,/Or lose our ventures'Brutus, Julius Caesar Act 4, scene 3

In which a Hero-with-a-thousand-faces voyages to a thousand more ills, heroes and fates.

Content warnings; attempted rape, discussions about rape; see AN at end.

Chapter 15: Animistic II

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Merlin's exit was watched with great interest and more jovial humor from the Red House than Harry liked. He trudged back to meet Godric halfway.

Godric thudded his hand on Harry's shoulder. "You fought well." Godric said, but there was a lingering sound as he hesitated. Harry looked down at Godric's large calloused hand, trying not to lash out.

Godric removed his hand clearing his throat. "A disarming technique? It's clever and may prevent a good deal of suffering." He moved away back towards the group and waved his dismissal of Harry.

Harry shrugged off approaches from the others. Biod Barry and the tall red head walked to be closer to him, but he pulled back on his robes.

He turned his back on Barry's call and Godric's rally for a few more minutes of practice.

He stomped up the grounds and went to corner the Founder he was supposed to have waylaid with Merlin. Slytherin was speaking with another student, a witch in a cone hat. Tendrils of cloth flowed from the top of it's point where it wrapped under her chin.

"I need to talk to you." Harry said over them.

Slytherin's eyebrows flexed. The witch tucked her chin to glare at Harry. She had dark eyebrows and light eyes, and Harry supposed she'd be quite beautiful if she wasn't fixing him with such a haughty look. Harry squeezed his fingernails into his palm and didn't budge.

Slytherin gave a small slow bend and the young woman drew in a huffy breath. She lifted her robe skirts in a cursory politeness. Her oval jaw tight, she swept away.

"Aerer. Of no house and name. What requires my urgent consultation?" Slytherin gestured for Harry to walk along the hall.

Harry tried to lessen the grit he felt in his throat and followed after him. "You're hiding something."

Slytherin nearly rolled his eyes, and his dark brows lifted slightly, "This is a problem so important as to incur a hex upon your scrotum by a witch of standing dismissed like a serf, why?"

Harry whipped his head around to the departing witch, her robe flaring in energy of her irritation. He loped after Slytherin, catching himself reflexively shielding his groin. "The layline."

Salazar Slytherin stopped, circling to stare at Harry. Harry noticed his eyelashes were odd, black and white, his eyes piercing. Harry shifted to looking at his face around his eyes, thinking of Occlumency, but thought grumpily the precaution ruined the confrontation he wanted to have. The lines under Slytherin's eyes eked to his temples, but Harry wasn't sure they were indicators of his hard to place age, or because the expression carved itself into his face.

Salazar was quiet in the face of Harry's stubbornness, until, "What about it?"

"I think you've been avoiding Merlin's questions about runes. I think the runes are connected to the layline quest Godric was on," Harry experienced a surge of anger, some irrational part of him found it intolerable for the plot. "- and you're up to something 'treacherous worm'."

Slytherin grabbed the front of Harry's robes, and Harry gripped the intruding arms to wrench them off himself. Slytherin was incensed, and grasped Harry's robes again, using some amount of distance to control Harry's footing instead of trying to simply body slam Harry against the stone wall. Harry wrested away but stayed close, combative. This was familiar to him, comfortable. He welcomed the familiar feelings.

Slytherin hissed in parseltongue, "Not here."

Harry yanked his robes straight, and responded in kind, "Don't push me."

Slytherin tossed up his arms and pushed his sleeves in place, and then crooked his finger for Harry to follow.

Harry followed, resisting leaping onto Slytherin's back and choking him. When they entered a main hall, Harry paused at the stairwell down to the dungeons. Slytherin, already leaving him behind called out, "I was going to avoid torture, unless you really require it."

Harry thought that his office would be located in the dungeons, but gazed down at the dark entrance, blinking. Somehow another note in his anger tensed. "What's a school got a dungeon for, anyhow?" He called after, jogging to reach Slytherin's shoulder.

"I told you, we're Lords. This is a castle, not a school." Slytherin's voice was smooth but his clipped words were a dead giveaway. "And I'll be late for deity damned responsibilities for lessons regardless."

They passed a few students whom glanced and bowed, before reaching a door located on it's own stair. A young man was just coming down the steps.

"M'Lord." The young man bent promptly into a deep bow and popped back up. A tail of blonde hair ran over and behind his shoulder with the movement. Harry turned his head, a little concerned because this boy looked to be one of the more unwashed students he had seen. A line of grime and blood was visible under two bandages that bound his filthy fore fingers.

"Rulf, yes what is it?" Slytherin snapped.

Rulf had a very round head and eyes with an oddly square chin, which he bobbed again in deference. Rulf's manner of dress was strange. He was wearing laces up his legs over leggings and a short tunic with a short cape. He gestured to his outfit, "The hunt? Is it still authorised? "

"Hunt?" Harry asked, thinking of Snake for a split second.

Rulf looked at Harry, though his eyes scrunched at Slytherin briefly. "The boys are waiting. We've done the preliminary work for scouting."

Harry looked to Slytherin, accusingly.

Slytherin smiled, "Yes, Aerer here is a recent addition to the hunt. We were just going to have a little chat about him joining, aren't you?"

Harry began to shake his head.

"You good enough to track a Stag?" Rulf looked interested.

"Stag?" Harry said daftly, processing that Slytherin wasn't hunting down muggles.

Slytherin described the prey as if he were an idiot. "It's a four legged creature with antlers often heavy for their small head. Unfortunately, they're quite arrogant, but they at least know when to bellow and when to run."

Harry said darkly, getting the hint, "Yeah, they're quite good goring with their antlers as well."

Rulf puckered his lips together, putting a finger up to his ear awkwardly.

Slytherin, no trace of the mock ridicule that Draco would have given, said easily with charm, "He's learning. New."

Rulf eased, "Yeah, so, if the hunts all good to go…"

"Yes, Aerer will meet you on the grounds shortly. We have to go over some grounds and etiquette rules."

Rulf's head bobbed and then went to lay a hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry glared but Rulf gave him a pressed smile and tapped very briefly. He edged back before speed walking away.

Slytherin opened the door and tossed his hand out in command for Harry to enter. He slammed the door shut once Harry stepped in.

"What do you know?"

"I know that you sent Godric on a mission to get a rune of Tranquility from Morgana, and it was a lie."

Slytherin stalked over to his desk in front of the window of bubbly glass. The Lake and the green where Godric was still training his cadre barely visible. "Not a mistake?" He asked lightly, like he was expecting the answer was no.

Harry couldn't help his smirk, "In some ways it was."

Slytherin returned the smirk with the curl of a disbelieving sneer. "The fucking gall on you. I like it." Slytherin's beard jutted forward as his chin moved unseen. "Unfortunately, I do not tolerate this kind of threat- even if it is ineffectual."

A falcon flew by the window, behind Slytherin's gaze on Harry.

Harry couldn't help but watch it, and at the same time the truth slipped out, "I haven't threatened you." he regretted the tone, so he hardened his voice, "Yet."

Harry saw that the man's beard twitch before he laughed, bitter and short.

Slytherin's walk to disregard his presence and look out the window irked Harry more than his laugh, "What aren't you telling Godric?"

Slytherin snorted a 'humph' his hand on his beard, stroking it.

Harry thought that questioning Slytherin was going quite well, no wands out, no curses flung- yet. So, he pressed his luck with something else that he had been wondering, but hadn't intended Merlin to find out with him. "Why did you send him to Morgana? She'd have eaten alive if he'd been a little less willing to have a chat."

Slytherin twisted his waist over with a single eyebrow raised, mouth parted just before he said with a laugh on his breath. "That was the idea." At Harry's disgust and obvious intent to attack, he raised his hands quickly, "Not literally devouring his flesh, you fopdoodle."

Harry felt like he had been called an idiot but in the most ridiculous of ways. He sputtered.

Slytherin sighed and sat at his desk. "I was hoping… to build a connection with the Lady of Avalon." He placed his arms on the desk and regarded Harry carefully.

Harry furrowed his brow, anger still making his heart pump under his chest but it seemed out of place now that Slytherin had started talking. Harry quickly became impatient with head wrecking guesswork for understanding exactly what Slytherin was evading, "What are you playing at?"

"Tell me. You think Godric a reasonable man?" Slytherin responded, mild.

Harry watched Slytherin's face. His beard obscured much of his features, but so much of Slytherin was extreme contrasts, uncanny inbetweens. The way he held himself in humble cloth, spoke with ease and veracity, would mark him as someone unwilling to do things in any manner that did not suit him. Slytherin didn't seem like a reasonable man either, as far as Harry knew, so, "Weird coming from you."

Slytherin raised his brow. "The question is not 'what have I not told Godric', it is 'what has Godric not wanted to hear'." He placed his fingertips, spotless as his nails, on the desk like individual tents. "While it looks like you have a bit of similar character to the man, it is obvious that you are wise enough to seek out information before simply deciding that I should be dead for a betrayal."

Harry ground his teeth, "I've had enough of doing irreversible damage without...listening a little."

Slytherin chuffed, "Well, well. Then listen to this. Godric Gryffindor is…" Slytherin took in a slow breath looking like words rolled under his tongue, his eyes softened briefly. "- convinced, that the rune stone affixed to the lay line is one that will bring peace." His eyebrow heighted. "This is not the case. However much I disagree with his methods and his vision- I still support his goals."

Harry took a step forward, leaning on the desk with his fists. Slytherin flicked his eyes to Harry's hands as Harry said, "Why don't you tell me exactly you mean, and I won't have to tell him that you're lying."

Slytherin's fingers twitched. He moved. His hand was on Harry's head as a stone from his sleeve appeared in the other.

Harry felt the familiarity of Petrificus Totalus set in his bones, but with more cold steel than he was used to. He could not move.

Slytherin shook his head, tsking, removing his hand from Harry's head, his other holding a now faintly glowing stone.

Harry could not fight this as he often could rip out of Imperious.

Slytherin tilted his head back and forth, "You shouldn't threaten a Lord. I am burdened to teach you some amount of respect." He leaned in to whisper in Harry's ear, "I am not so arrogant enough to allow insult."

Slytherin stood the stone twisting between his fingers, he stood Harry's body straight.

Harry let fury overpower the reaction of panic from losing his mobility. His hand and arm ached in the resistance that he tried to hook himself to, but his arm moved forward under Slytherin's command.

Slytherin inspected Harry's right hand without touching. The scars from Umbridge were quite white, clenched as he was, tan as he had become on the isle. They tingled as Harry focused on them.

Slytherin, as if speaking to a class room, "I know you've come from the wild magic lands. I know that Godric skirted about your origins. I also am intrigued by the knowledge that you've had several curses placed on you." He leaned across the desk and flicked Harrys' bangs away to show the fingers of lightning on his forehead. "Powerful."

Harry glared hatefully at him, willing his body to listen. It was like steel pressed against his every joint. The more he struggled, the more it felt like a blistering blade.

Slytherin's eyes fell down from Harry's face to land at the gape of his robes, where he hadn't bothered to tie together his collar this morning. "Intricate and volatile magic that has left their marks" The burn that the locket had left was likely still a blazing white star on his sternum beneath his exposed throat.

"I wonder how many more masters of curses have injured you, for you to act like a kicked dog." Slytherin's face was cold, his line merely a posture of sympathy.

"Here- we have honor that comes from fulfilling our duties. People survive for the fealty sworn to others. We have Lords who are burdened with the tasks of the livelihood and fate of an entire clans. Do not come at me as if I am a goblin and you are Cuchulain." Slytherin warned.

He turned his head down to examine the scars on Harry's hand again and then hmm'd to himself. Harry hated in those spare moments and could do nothing else.

"I think... I will keep you like this for a little while, while I explain myself without interruption. Then, I will release you, and magnanimous as I am, you shall not be met with due punishment; unless you make the same mistake again. Can you agree?"

Harry could not so much as blink. Slytherin came around to his side of the desk and rolled up Harry's sleeve. "Good."

Slytherin revealed where Nagini had speared Harry's forearm with her poison, and above where Pettigrew had sliced the resurrection blade. "Godric does not know that the Lady Rowena divined this location for our school because it was the natural location of a magical convergence. He is aware that I was able to channel much of nature's power to create an increase of magical prevalence and ease of often unstable magicks for long term projects."

Slytherins voice became a modicum softer, "The Lady Rowena is often unintelligible to him and he does not often pay attention." Slytherin inspected the wound and muttered, "Foolish." Harry was not sure what Slytherin was referring to as foolish, but felt like rattling the bars on his flesh prison.

Slytherin leaned against the desk looking again at Harry's face and crossed his arms. "I have told Godric several times that the rune stones which I use are focuses. The fact they are in stone is irrelevant." Slytherins hand tossed out the information like fact. He waggled a finger at Harry. "I know what you are thinking."

Harry thought as loudly as he could, gathering up the shreds that Snape had given him for Occlumency. 'Doubtful.'

Slytherin, apparently immune to Harry's mental acrobatics, mimed. "But if the layline has always been here, then why would you need a Tranquility rune stone when you can simply carve it into the line?"

Harry was actually thudding back into unwanted memories that had been cushioned by the knolls of the isle. That's what Hermione and Draco had gone to do, using the House Elves. Possibly how they accessed the deeper reservoirs of magic to prevent the barriers from deteriorating when Voldemort and the Death Eaters attacked.

Slytherin continued, breaking Harry's trail, "Who knows. I'm hoping you're not a simpleton so you understand. You're certainly not as invested as Godric is in the exact goings on of protection for our students and magic-kin." He sniffed. "Perhaps, you are a little more willing to listen."

If this was how Slytherin liked to conduct his conversations, it was no wonder Godric didn't listen. Slytherin liked the sound of his own voice, Harry thought inimically.

Slytherin narrowed his eyes, "Now- the final bit of this is that I am seeking to instill protections for the castle. Tranquility is not the answer. It only puts witches and wizards in danger, making them vulnerable because the ley line's power is, at its heart, an enchantment. Which is why I was hoping to find an alternative means to strengthen and layer magicks in the line itself."

Harry was reeling. Grasping onto the information that Slytherin poured forth like skimming an ever turning scroll.

Harry wasn't sure if he believed Slytherin, and was inclined to despise every word out of his mouth for holding him against his will. It also frustratingly was like being given everything but still finding something lacking. He was already angry when the spell was cast and thinking thoughts wasn't exactly the spark he needed to break out of this hold.

Slytherin walked around Harry.

"You may have some time to think on this. It should be sufficient for you to see my motives for sending Godric to the Isle of Avalon and see my reason and dedication to the protections of the castle. If you so desire, I would welcome your assistance."

At this, the flare of rage that Harry had been searching for came to him, but he groaned as his muscles twitched unpleasantly.

Slytherin looked briefly surprised but instantly moved to release Harry from the spell.

Harry dropped like his strings had been cut. He breathed heavily, blinking as Slytherin quickly said, stepping close to offer a hand. "Your purpose you said was to help Godric? Your quest would be completed. No harm would come to him unless he himself inflicts it- as he often does. You could prevent that." Slytherin's hand was still outstretched.

Harry glared at the long fingered hand and staggered to his feet on his own. "I'm not your pawn."

Salazar Slytherin said measuredly, "No. I can see that."

Harry yanked down his sleeve, shaking.

"You'll be late to the hunt." The Founder waved his hand and the door opened. Harry saw the movement of the falcon fly behind Slytherin again and did not turn his back until he was out of the door.

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Scene iii: Tenebrific

Harry tore out of the castle, his shoulders and arms spasming, thoughts fracturing. He came onto the green to several wizards, all armed and dressed in clothing that allowed for quick movement.

Harry recognized two of them from the sparring lesson that had ended. The tall red head who had given him a quarterstaff was now holding a bow. The one with the bruise and dark hair who Godric had used to demonstrate the unbalancing technique was standing with a spear. He nodded in greeting and flicked his hand at Rulf.

Tristan and Leofrick were also in the group. Leofrick gave Harry a merry wave, his mushroom cap had been traded for a triangular hat. Standing near the others he looked quite small. Tristan gave a small bow from his shoulders, his hair tied back.

Rulf spotted him among a few others, and Harry huffed, having no intention to actually join in the hunt but now there was expectation and he never handled that very well. Resentful and guilty for it.

"You're alive!" Rulf crowed. The smacking of others laughter clapped briefly. Rulf jogged over and Harry could smell the earth and sweat Rulf had apparently rolled in. Rulf shook his head, "I bet Lord Slytherin didn't say nary a cursed word about the hunt and grounds rules."

Harry heaved, "No."

"Right- well. Stag hunting is easy. Nothing like catching a snidget. That's in spring- have you caught a snidget before?" Rulf turned to the others, his jape evident.

Harry snapped, "I was a Seeker for my Quidditch team."

Rulf turned his head, "Kiddich?"

Harry acrimoniously said, "I've caught 4 snidgets."

"Rrr-ight." It was clear he didn't believe him but seemed to get the sense that laughing in his face would be a sour idea. "Well. Stag's nothing like that, Aerer. Gotta have guts and fortitude."

Harry was about to point a finger in Rulfs face and tell him off- what about was still unclear to Harry- the second Merlin's voice called out, "A hunt at force? For a mere stag?"

Harry turned and felt a mild relief. Merlin was striding from the Lake side area of the castle. He was dirtied from the knockdown Harry had done on him, and he had a twig in his hair again.

The bruised face from the group of awaiting hunters spoke in a voice which Harry felt was too deep, "Aft' th'last boar, we're not to 'ave only fledglin's at force hunt."

Merlin, miming wiping a tear away, "Stop, you're making me weep, fustilugs."

The bruised face, fustilugs, responded like that certainly wasn't his name but was otherwise silent.

Rulf said temperately, "Ah… Merlin. Didn't know you were-"

"And if I am?" Merlin stepped in arm's distance of Harry, facing the group. Harry was at least relieved Merlin could stand to be near him. He thought this might be his chance to try- try what, again, he wasn't sure, but maybe Merlin would forgive him sooner rather than later for keeping secrets.

Harry flattened his hair on his forehead. He was a bloody hypocrite.

"Teams have been divvied up already." Rulf lamely gestured to the group. The two that Harry recognized from Godric's training shifted and looked at each other, preparing as if to make room in their group.

"Aerer's on my team." Merlin stated.

"Team's four to a dog, hedge born." A witch said scathingly. The comment had come from a person with wild braids and knots in their hair and a horn at their hip. Harry did a double take, as he hadn't originally thought them a witch, since most of the witches he had seen were usually skirted and robed with embroidered sleeves. This girl looked like she was quite comfortable in blood spattered stockings and tunic. In fact if it weren't for her voice, he'd say she was a wizard.

Merlin smiled and it wasn't particularly pleasant. "Dogs are for bitches. And you call the Cŵn Annwn. An insult to their nature, but it's fitting for you."

Rulf tapped the middle of his eyebrow and squeaked out, "Demons breath," then bellowed, "Horns!"

At his command, the group's horn bearers blew a chillingly low note, their dissonance pressing. From the muddy, icy puddles came small strands of water forming arches. The surface they created glistened like soap bubbles.

Along the lake, birds took flight. Three spectral dogs leapt through from the puddle gates, quietly howling and the teams sprinted with them on the green. As the dogs and the groups split off, threading into the forest, the barking of the dogs became louder.

Harry shook his head, one hand on his chest and the other on his hip. He looked at Merlin, "What exactly have you gotten me into?"

Merlin turned to Harry and tilted up his jaw. "What have you gotten yourself into?"

Harry rubbed his head, turning to go up to the castle. "I have traps but not a bow."

Merlin shook his head and started trotting off to the forest. "Come. Tools for the brutes, magic for us."

Harry drew his head back, and again, ran after Merlin. He was doing a lot of running after people today, his turgid state causing a little resentment.

They had come under the canopy before Harry felt the thread that would lead to less burning anger. "Can we- talk about-?"

"No." Merlin stolidly moved through the forest.

"Right." Harry said, trying to keep up but the roots and branches were less kind to him. Merlin tread with dips and weaves and a grace that Harry had watched in Bodhmall when she was showing him how to stalk wolves.

For nothing else but to ease his guilt, he tried to offer something else up as a peace offering while he tripped. "One of my… oufh- you walk like one of my er- teachers."

Merlin turned and whipped out his hand to hold back a branch that would have caught Harry in the throat.

Harry gratefully stood near Merlin. "She taught me to… not hunt- but everything around the hunt. She-" Harry rubbed his neck as Merlin continued to walk. "She was good."

Merlin scoffed.

"No, really, she was the one who talked to me about the kelpie." Harry remembered how Merlin's disposition had considerably warmed when Harry spoke of the kelpie and his desire to know it. Merlin had invited him to the library first, then discovering he was illiterate, to the forest for some practical work.

Merlin moved his head like this mollified him and Harry felt a smidge better.

Harry followed Merlin deeper into the forest, the calls of the dogs were extremely loud for minutes, but then suddenly gone.

"What are those things anyway?" Harry asked.

Merlin looked around, up at the trees, "What?" He asked sharply, as if something snuck up on them.

"The… dogs?" Harry couldn't remember the pronunciation that Merlin had inflicted on the witch who was not a witch.

"They're-" Merlin sighed, waiting for Harry to catch up again. "They're not dogs. They're spiritual heralds of death. Particularly uncouth to use them against a stag in my opinion. It's blatant arrogance. One of the many traditions at Hogwarts I despise."

Harry nodded, sensing when Merlin was not interested in teaching him.

Merlin slid his gaze from Harry's throat to his muddy boots. "We're almost there."

Harry, feeling the exertion of their march, put his hand to push up his glasses. Then cursed vigorously, "Bloody hell," unreasonably upset from his useless habit.

Merlin made a face like he would reprimand him shortly for being weird, but said, "The stream is just over here."

The cool shade and the green light worked slowly, and Harry was able to appreciate his surroundings. "I've never been this far into the forest." It did not possess an overtly menacing atmosphere like the times he had been in the forest as a student. The visits to Grawp with Hermione and Ron even, were always a bit unsettling despite the nature of the visit.

Merlin shook his head, likely rolling his eyes.

Harry watched Merlin move through the woods and thought about the classes and instruction he had taken with Merlin. They'd exchange barbs with each other easily enough, and Harry always appreciated Merlin's questions to their instructors, which allowed him to figure out what was going on most of the time.

He was able to surprise Merlin with understanding long form castings of spells, due to the splice the Founders had done on his tongue. Merlin found him quite often to study beside in case he needed any clarification.

Harry had some practice with some exercise of his abilities here, but as the classes were mostly ritualistic, theory based, and excessively grueling, most learning stemmed from the casual exchange and practice he had with Merlin. It was the easy company that he appreciated the most.

He took in a breath. What he had been missing was regular work, and Quidditch if he was quite honest with himself. He had felt immensely better at the sparring practice that morning.

They finally broached the clearing with the stream. Large creek rocks sat around the bank invitingly, clear of frost by the heat of the sun. Harry was sweating despite the cool air, and overcome with a desire to lay by the assuredly frigid water on the warm rocks.

Merlin paused, looking around. He then drew out a bit of (what to Harry looked like) charcoal. He drew a with the same deft hand a twig, busied himself, then sat inside his created circle.

Harry was used to this sort of behavior from Hermione, and knew how she'd snap if he interrupted. He took a seat upon a rock and cleaned his neck and face, taking off his heavier robe. He found in the robe pocket the rock Morgana had given him, and drew it out. Examining it, he thought it had no real purpose, but she had given it to him with significance.

As Merlin started chanting, breaking bits and lighting other things on fire, Harry contented himself by trying to be steady like he had been steadied on the isle. He eyed the creek rocks. Pushing rocks around in the crystal pools always made him feel better, but he wasn't sure about moving them about the creek.

Inspired by Merlin's Hermione-ish behavior while working, he briefly compared them. They were really nothing alike above their studiousness, dedication to principle. Merlin seemed eager to anger people, whereas Hermione had grown out of caring too much what people thought of her. He rolled the rock in his palm.

Though, Draco always seemed to get under her skin and Ron could always hurt her. He remembered Ron. Just a flash of him, 'looking for clues' he had said, holding the sticky ale mug to his eye in France. Harry held the stone with the hole in it to his eye, bittersweet fondness addling his brain.

He nearly yelped when he saw what was surrounding a white haired Merlin. Bright green tendrils, vines and webs laced over his circle and jettisoned out into the forest.

Harry kept the rock to his eye, amazed. It was nearly like the truth spell he had participated in the circle on the isle. Only not euphoric.

He watched as the magic from Merlin's circle spread through the forest.

Merlin sat quietly. Harry saw that the spell was still working, so he too remained quiet and looked around. There were faint other auras he could detect, some blue sprite flits. Then, along the top of the trees a galaxy bent, weaving through and under the roots of the forest.

Harry watched it, filled with a sense of wonder that swept away much of the rough rage and emptiness he had been fighting today.

He replaced the stone in the pocket of his robe, his arm a little tired, before he heard the ghost dogs bray and the deer herd stampeding. The movement of the herd was like a flitting image through the shadow and trees in his line of sight.

A single stag appeared in the light at the edge of the clearing. Merlin raised his hand.

The stag approached. Merlin remained seated and Harry froze. His patronus looked...similar. Harry watched the stag move forward, it's hooves picking the way. It's hooves were off from what he had burned into his mind of his patronus, as well the complexity of its antlers.

It seemed pale, though red and dotted. Small and with less strength though easily it's head came to six hands. His Patronus was his father's Animagus, he decided. This was not the same.

Merlin coaxed the creature near and it laid it's heavy head on his lap. Merlin ran his fingers along the bone of the antlers. He turned to Harry, "The stag."

Harry nodded. "What kind of... stag is it?"

Merlin twitched a smile, "Does it matter?"

Harry said, cautiously, "I have… an interest. It's- er, personal?"

Merlin ran his fingers gently along the snout. "You eat flesh. I've seen you. Is it merely sympathy now that he's been called?"

Harry didn't know what he felt. Was Merlin intending to kill it all along- for that matter, was he? He reflected for a moment and then realised, "I don't like sacrifices."

"It'll be eaten for a feast." Merlin ran his hands along the ear. "Or are you a deer enthusiast?"

Harry shook his head then cocked it, fumbling around the explanation. "Well, I've just- I don't think I've been this close to one before." There was more to it. His patronus, his father's animagus. How would he explain? "If I had my wand I'd show you." He would, he thought, there couldn't be harm in it, surely?

Merlin hummed, "I called the stag, not only because I disapprove of frightening the animal and running it ragged before it's speared to bleed it to death, but because I need it's death for a proxy instead of our blood."

"Huh?"

Merlin drew a dagger from his middle. "Calling the kelpie requires three drops of our blood. But that is because it is the beginning of a bargain. A social call without a bind, requires a death. I get to save the stag from the hunt, and use it for what we had been planning earlier."

Harry studied Merlin, disturbed.

Merlin looked back at Harry, his pale face was wreathed in his somewhat lank, shoulder length hair. His hazel eyes were pale gold in sunlight, and his features were sharper than the age-mates that Harry had been used to, before the end. Merlin would kill this stag, as it lay at peace in his lap because he needed it, and it was a better death.

Harry asked before he had properly thought. "Are…is Merlin a common name now?"

Merlin's upper lip peeled back in comically disgusted bewilderment.

Harry breathed, "Er- sorry I was-" Merlin wasn't a common name, and there was really only one Merlin he knew of. Of course, it had passed his mind, but having the understanding of what it meant to sit here with Merlin blossomed a pressure in his chest.

Something ripped, tore, and he was back at the grove with the oak. Hermione's hands and knees were coated in grave dirt. She stood near Draco, holding his bleeding hand. Draco's sharp face looked conspicuously serene as he watched her. Merlin's wand, the box and his grimoire lay near floating balls of white sand.

Harry blinked, tears had accumulated. "I think I realised something."

Merlin said, head tilting, looking at Harry with perplexed suspicion, "Get me the leaf." It was an oak leaf that he had said, earlier, when he showed Harry what they would use to call the kelpie.

Harry paused, unsure he wanted to help commit this death. It seemed wrong. Also, not telling Merlin, or telling him, had just become a thousand times heavier than this morning.

Merlin opened his mouth as if he also had just understood something. His lips stretched back into an open mouthed smirk. "You've never killed anything before."

Harry stood. He pointed at the animal who was nuzzling Merlin's hands, seeking more affection. "I've never …" He clenched his jaw, eyes on Merlin's blade near the throat of the stag. He swallowed heavily. Flashes of flesh peeling, slicing, robes tearing, bolts of red and green in the air, faces too close and far.

Harry stomped off. He had murdered. He was eleven when he first killed, and it was with calm certainty. He had killed in battle, and even if he didn't use spells to kill, he had attacked with no regard for life.

Was this so different? Yes.

He was more upset at killing an animal than a witch or wizard? Did it matter that they were death eaters, on the wrong side? Merlin said it himself- he ate meat. Harry's back and forth ruptured in a question he could not answer, what the fuck was he thinking?

Harry punched a tree and his knuckles brightly brought him back. He looked at his shaking hand, the skin now red and split with wood and earth in them.

"Manling should not strike the earth."

Harry looked to the foliage of the ground. Movement rustled a nearby honeysuckle brush and the large body of the snake was partially visible.

"Did you hunt?" Harry asked.

Snake reached his feet and Harry picked the snake back up, it's heavy flesh cold.

"Musst sleep."

"Right." Harry sighed, guiding Snake to lay soundly against his neck.

He turned back to Merlin and walked to his robes. "I'm not doing it."

Merlin was rubbing the snout of the stag, "Why not?"

"It's not right. It should have the chance to know- to get away."

Merlin twisted his neck once, "It would have no chance against you- it's cruel to hunt it."

Harry said, as he lay Snake on his robes in the sun. "At least it'd be honest."

Merlin was impatient, "We're doing this to contact your friends. Your problem."

"Why are you so interested in my problem, especially since you got all-" Harry waved his hands, flinging them back at the field where their spat had taken place and Merlin had gotten his pants in a bunch.

Merlin rumbled, "I'm entitled to vexation! It's my spell and I realised you had either stolen from me or you're hiding why you've been such a good companion this past week." He scrunched his face tightly, lowering his rising voice. "Who sent you here? Was it because of the Dragon?"

Harry felt his shirt flopping around him as he waved his arms in wild askance, "What- Dragons? Me being here has nothing to do with you! It's not your spell anyhow- everyone uses it!"

Merlin steadied the stag who had gotten startled, "I invented the thrice cursed spell-" he gritted his teeth and closed his eyes, "You confronted Slytherin, got into an argument, and I know you've been sent here."

Harry slapped his thighs, "Great, at least one of us knows why the bloody fuck I'm here."

"Salazar said it himself!"

Harry pointed at the castle, yelling, "He has no clue, not a damn idea!"

"Seems like you don't either." Merlin shook his head. "Tell me, how are you planning on reaching them?"

Merlin grabbed the horns of the stag as it startled up. His long sharp nose wrinkled, "You've said you came to Hogwarts looking for something, thinking that this might be the only way to contact your friends who have had some-" Merlin waved his dagger hand about his face with a satirical expression, "-magical barriers placed around them. I'm giving you this," Merlin pointed his blade at the stag, it's eyes rolling in fear, "- as a show of good faith, that you might trust me more to explain what it is that you're up to."

Harry stuck a finger out at Merlin, stepping closer to the stag and Merlin's circle, "No, not you too."

Merlin's shoulders, a little narrow anyway, scrunched. "What."

"You're doing the thing! The blasted thing where you tell me you're doing something for me but-" Harry turned his finger into a fist and shook it, "-you've got plans." Harry was breathing heavily. Then sucked in more air and released it slowly. Trying to think. "Why are you so keen on this kelpie?"

Merlin gave a small huff, not denying that he had his own reasons. "It's because I need to know… Old Magic. Like I've said- the druids on Eire don't know, and magic practitioners are…" Merlin was frustrated, "It's dying. Wild Magic is the only way." Merlin sucked on his teeth, "And the fey keep it."

Harry let his legs brace his weight. He could see why he had compared Hermione and Merlin. Bloody bent when they got a mad idea in their head.

Merlin, his face closing and eyes hooded, "You don't have a bow, and we'll have to wait a while for an opportunity like this to come again. You want it to go to waste?"

Harry gestured. "If I could fight it, then I'd be fine with it."

Merlin looked at the stag, and then back at Harry. Then back at the stag. "Like… you want to strike it?"

"No!"

"You wish to battle it as a stag?"

Harry was about to cry another denial but paused, on the intake, considering for a moment before stoutly, "No! Give me the dagger-" He bent towards Merlin, intent on taking it from him.

Merlin leaned away, the stag startling to its feet as Merlin released it to keep the dagger away from Harry.

"The kelpie uses the contract of your blood to require a death later, you dalcop!"

Harry wasn't thinking. The stag wasn't going to die, not like this, and not for the kelpie- he grabbed at Merlin's dagger again. Merlin was quick but Harry felt stronger.

The stag escaped, bounding away over the stream. A crash of branches exploding, and a shriek caused them to still.

They looked at each other for a moment. Merlin thinking, Harry making a decision. Harry sprinted off in the direction of the noise. More sounds of struggle beat into Harry urging him on faster before he saw what was happening through the trees.

One of the young men he hadn't recognized from the hunt was struggling to pin down the witch who had called Merlin a hedge born. He slapped her spell out of her mouth as she spoke it. Harry reacted and bellowed. A red bolt of light exploded the Hogwarts student off of the witch. Unfocused as it was, it knocked her down and back and shattered the green around them.

Harry leapt into the clearing as the witch staggered to her feet. Harry stopped himself short of leaping on the prone man. He took a moment to regain his awareness now that his focus had widened to the general area.

The wild-haired hunter spat at the still figure, the eyes in his head rolling.

Merlin was panting, coming up behind Harry.

Harry turned to the wild haired hunter, "Are you- alright?"

The face of the wild haired hunter was dirtied, some splinters had scraped the cheek of a moderately strong jaw, small but full lips bloodied. Their eyes were brown and gleaming with unshed tears and anger.

"Disgusting churl, liver-eater," the voice was rougher than when they had insulted Merlin, and they punctuated it with a kick. Harry reached out to stop the continued attack but saw because of the short tunic that many of the hunters had donned, his laces were coming undone.

Harry felt sick. He remembered the bloodstains on Luna's skirts that Ron was able to get out and felt the cool hate blind him again.

Leopold and Tristan came up, only alerting Harry of their arrival by the sounds they made in the underbrush. Harry whipped to them and glaring, he snarled, "Did you know about this?"

Merlin came to raise up a hand, between everyone. He bent to inspect the stunned attempted assaulter. Harry was already heading towards Leofrick with intent.

Leofrick yipped, "What?"

The wild haired hunter bowed from the extent of her nearly unintelligible screeches, "You ploughing blind- you knew! He said you knew!"

Tristan said calmly, "Will, we don't know what happened." Tristan warily eyed Harry. Leofrick dipped behind Tristan, skittish.

Merlin said, "Willow, we're going to bring him to the Lords and Ladies for judgement, you can put your blade away."

Harry turned, and Merlin wasn't showing any real interest in staving off Willow, the offended party. He was crouched, his own dagger out, but was not moving either way.

Willow had drawn a blade and eased towards the stunned man on the ground, "I'd have dug this in your gullet, a moment more-"

Harry had a fleeting second of overwhelming apathy before a small voice in him whispered it would be murder.

"We take Thuriet up to the castle." Tristan had edged forward, trying to be firm, his hand out but unwilling to pass Harry.

Willow sheathed their blade, a little shakily. They turned to Harry and with no further looks began walking back towards the castle grounds.

Merlin stood. He looked at the man on the ground and then to Harry, "Undoing the bit you done on him might save you a sore back from carrying this sack of shit."

Harry tightened. He looked at the body and glared, trying to call 'levicorpus' to him. Nothing occurred. He did not really want to lift or touch him.

Tristan came closer. "Thuriet's one of Lady Ravenclaws." He turned to look at Leofrick.

Leofrick took off his hat and wiped sweat off his brow and face, leaving a dirty streak. "Might as well leave him out here- knowing what she'd likely do."

"He can't just get away with it." Harry said.

"Get away with what?" Leofrick asked, his hand worrying the hat.

Merlin stated shuffling and turning exaggeratedly to sheathe his dagger, "Ravishing. Not that you might care." His face held contempt for Leofrick.

Leofrick pointed,"Oi now, I'd- I've nothing to do with this." He paled as Merlin followed Willow's steps. He backed away from his already long distance from Merlin. "I'm not like that, you know. It's a crime against married women in Wessex!" He shouted after Merlin and Tristan shook his head.

Harry was warring with himself. "Against married women? Not all women?"

Tristan came up, his hands out to Harry, showing he had no weapons. He pointed at Thuriet, enunciating delicately. "Arcanist law is different. It's according to who keeps the land."

Harry stood, alternating squeezing his fists and rolling his shoulders.

"Where's the horn?" Leofrick asked, sounding very young.

Tristan bent to pick up Thuriet and briefly struggled with getting the balance. "Find the damned horn then, Leofrick."

Harry watched Tristan struggle and grimly realised that stunning him made him stiff as a board. He'd have to be pliable to be carried. Harry knelt down and savagely thrust his hand on Thuriet's face. "Ennervate."

Thuriet gasped, his lungs rattling. Harry drew back his arm and punched him in the face before he had a chance to move.

Thuriet's nose crunched under Harry's knuckles, and his head double tapped the ground in ricochet.

Harry stood.

Tristan looked at him guardedly while Leofrick scouted the bushes, eventually picking up the discarded horn.

Tristan gestured to Thuriet's arm, but the man was heavy, around their age, and an inch or two taller than Tristan.

Leofrick stumbled and his eyes darted between the three.

Harry knelt and tried to suppress the rush of repulsion as he took most of Thuriet's weight on himself. After a few steps Harry shook his head and bent forward wrapping the body around his shoulders.

Tristan voiced, "Aerer?"

Harry gritted out, "My cloak and snake, that way. Two minutes. I'll head back to the castle."

The weight of the man was unbalanced, but Harry focused on stomping forward.

---

Scene iv: Nocent

Harry was met at the Great Hall by a large gathering that had placed themselves around, likely expecting a feast or celebration of some sort but had become confused at the lack of success. The hunters had returned, but they were scattered, watchful, and muttering.

The girl he had seen conversing with Slytherin was trotting towards him, her dress held in her hands to free her feet. Harry was sweating profusely and desired nothing more than to toss Thuriet onto the stone steps but she commanded, "In the Hall- they're waiting."

Calls and questions pelted him, but he ignored the voices as Leofrick and Tristan came behind. The calls directed to the stragglers.

He was dimly aware of the crowd following them into the feast hall.

Ravenclaw was standing with Hufflepuff, Willow, and Merlin, trading words. When he entered, Ravenclaw fixed her sight to Harry, the lines of her brow drawn severely. Hufflepuff looked formidable, her arms crossed and face more severe than he had seen.

Ravenclaw pointed at the floor before breaking away from Merlin. Merlin had fallen silent and stepped away from Willow.

Behind him, Harry heard Godric command that the way be cleared for him. Harry dumped Thuriet onto the ground.

Slytherin swept around Harry, eyes marking Thuriet's bloodied face and surveying Harry's state before shooting a questioning look at Ravenclaw. The students and those who had gathered pressed themselves along the tables, some were looking anticipatorily at the scene, and others traded tense whispers.

Ravenclaw held her hands up and a crack snapped against the stones of the hall. All fell silent. Ravenclaw spoke, her voice in that clinical manner unnerving to Harry, "Trial is held now."

Harry looked down at Thuriet. He breathed in a quick breath to gather up strength, and tried to focus. He needed a reason to get this Thuriet up. He gritted out, "Ennervate."

Thuriet came to curled in front of the robes of Rowena Ravenclaw. She stared at him like a bug caught under her glass.

"Bring forth the charges." Ravenclaw said softly.

Harry briefly drew his eyebrows together and glanced around. Godric was climbing to the high table, looking grave. Slytherin was running his eyes over the crowd, and gestured to his favored but challenging student. Merlin placed one foot on the platform where Slytherin took his seat and leaned in, quickly explaining in the barest whisper.

Willow stepped forward. Their chin aloft, eye sharp, blood still on their face. "My back was turned. You made a lewd remark. I took offense. You were offended with my offense." Willow's voice was clear, high, but Harry could no longer be sure if Willow was a witch or a young boy, though the thought of trying to place them seemed absurd now.

Thuriet rapidly tried to situate himself. His arm was up, bleeding, in a futile attempt at staying any more reproach. His voice started- "N-no, that's not, wai-"

Rowena darted forward and pinched his lips together. Her hair stayed, the tendrils did not flow to meet the rest of her. She said nothing.

Willow continued, their voice wavering only with emotion and fury. "You attacked me, and then threatened to give me a good plough. I fought back, you struck me and raised your magic against me. Unbalanced, you... tried to do violence upon my person, to demean me as an individual."

"Witnesses?" Ravenclaw commanded.

Willow looked at him, at Harry, and nodded. Harry heard a rushing sound in his ears. "I… was with Merlin." Harry was fine directing a classroom, fine leading people into a dangerous situation. These waters he could not find treading in.

Merlin came down the steps, to his rescue. His voice was nearly bored, "We had the stag for the at force hunt. We heard a noise. Aerer reacted first." Merlin tilted his head at Harry, his expression somewhat resigned but firm. He prompted, "He reached them first."

Harry said, his mouth and voice straining. This was happening very quickly. "He smacked her - er- Willow, across the face when s-he- they...was under him. Willow was trying to say a spell, I think. I reacted."

Merlin continued, "I saw Aerer defend Willow by petrifying Thuriet. Willow rose away and did not have time nor ability to fabricate evidence of intent to ravish. I saw Thuriet's laces were nearly undone when I examined his petrified body. "

Rowena asked, her eyes boring into Thuriet's. "Further witness."

Tears leaked out of her student's blue eyes.

Leofrick and Tristan edged out of the crowd. Leofrick held his cloak and the horn. He looked to be shaking at the knees. His voice cracked, and Harry thought he was no more than thirteen. "Willow and Thuriet were pursuing the herd. I had… I had gotten tired. Tristan stayed behind with me, then we heard shouting and an explosion and-" Leofrick stumbled.

Tristan nodded, "Aerer and Merlin did not bodily prevent Willow from killing Thuriet while he lay petrified. Leofrick and I watched Willow leave. Leofrick found the horn that had been knocked loose and then we went to retrieve Aerer's familiar and his robe." Tristan set Snake down.

Snake, irritated, slowly moved towards Harry.

Slytherin and Gryffindor had been silent. Slytherin said from his chair, "We have an impartial witness. 'Speak'."

Snake rose up on the sinuous bulging belly and hissed at Salazar Slytherin.

Slytherin stood and commanded in parsel tongue, "Speak of what you smell, scale-fellow."

"I will be commanded by no mere mortal!"

Slytherin took a step back, and tried very hard to commandeer his facial expression. He tightened his lips. He said, without looking at Harry, "Speak to your scale-fellow."

"You are not to pesssster manling."

Harry said, "Please, if you could explain what you saw, I'd appreciate it. I don't like how this is going so far."

"Manling. I am so tired. And the explosion was so far from sweet sun. I smelled the blood and violence, but you left me for your own hunt." Snake laid their head along the floor and Harry walked to pick up Snake who wrapped themselves along Harry's overheated skin.

Slytherin announced, "Confirmed." Harry did not attempt to disguise his disbelief. Slytherin could have hardly gotten anything from that answer.

The parselmouth Founder continued, "Now, are you going to hear from the accused or are we to be muggle minded?"

Rowena ripped her hands away from Thuriet only for him to beg, "Pl-please, this - this is madness."

Harry looked at Godric, wondering if Godric was taking any issue with the type of trial taking place. Gryffindor was slouched against his throne, a heavy arm propping up his chin. He looked weary. Helga Hufflepuff looked on, her face still held no trace of easy joy or kindness. She looked heartbroken, but her posture and the line at her mouth was tight with anger.

Slytherin swept down to join Ravenclaw, "This is what comes of having muggle influence in our halls. That indecency from the minds of muggle men. It is clear that he is beholden to the laws of his muggle forebearer."

Ravenclaw said, "Tell me, Thuriet of Gippeswic…"

A groan from the crowd drew the attention of Harry and others standing in the centrality of the impromptu court. It was one of Godric's cadre and he flinched from the gazes he drew.

Godric's brow tightened briefly and then he said in a moderate volume, "Gawain will vouch for the standing of Thuriet of Gippeswic, as they both hail from East Anglia. Gawain, does Thuriet have muggle parentage?"

Gawain flinched and dipped his head in confirmation.

Ravenclaw snapped, "What are the laws concerning the punishment of this violence against women in Gippeswic?"

Thuriet begged, "None your Ladyship. Willow is unmarried and-"

"I'm not a woman." Willow stated, latently.

Rowena smiled and it was unpleasant, "Then, are there any laws protecting men?"

Thuriet said, "Slaves, and religious orderlies… but-"

Ravenclaw looked at Gawain.

Gawain was a tanned fellow with yellow hair who looked like he would rather be stabbing his leg with a fork than be brought into this. "No, your Ladyship. It is common practice among muggles to involve the payment of order to the father for offenses against his kin, depending on his keep."

A rouse of voices from the attendees, then stopped from the pale hand Ravenclaw raised.

Gawain crossed and then uncrossed his arms, looking like it pained him to continue. "In regards to assault over a man, the matter is solved without fine for the freemans wergild and is usually an eye for an eye."

Slytherin gestured as if he had made a point. Ravenclaw held out her hand to prevent Slytherin devolving from her point.

"Does anyone here offer a defense? Does Thuriet of Gippeswic possess enough character to garner a vouch of honor?" Ravenclaw ran her gaze around the crowd. There was frightful silence. Harry felt protest tense in his chest but from what- to what- he could not spit out the words.

Ravenclaw turned to Helga Hufflepuff, "Justice then, befitting this act?"

Hufflepuff said, her tone crisp, "To be determined by the offended."

Willow said, "Rite of Brigid."

Ravenclaw nodded. Thuriet sobbed, "What-what is that?" as the crowd ripped into uproar.

Merlin approached Harry who was feeling a strange sense of out of body calm. "Looks like we'll have the death of a stag on our hands after all." Harry looked at Merlin's face and found it comfortingly grim.

"What will happen to him?" Harry turned to look at Thuriet as Ravenclaw took a bone from Helga, likely produced by her sleeves. The crowd dispersed into the doors on the steps.

Thuriet shuddered and Rowena began to slice into a bone with a fingernail. Merlin led Harry out to the green to sit on the grass. Harry did not sit, he stared at Merlin, willing him to give him answer.

Merlin paused as he leaned back on his hands. "He'll be hunted."

Harry turned to go back to the Hall.

Merlin called after him, "You'll not stop the Lady Rowena Ravenclaw. He's hers. She's beyond furious, and it's she who gets final say."

Harry approached the Founders, still orbit around their fourth. Two other students held Thuriet. The girl Harry saw conversing with Salazar, and the bruised sparring youth, held out their hands to form a circle where Thuriet writhed.

Ravenclaw was chanting, power billowed her robes.

Godric and Slytherin looked to Harry as he entered. Godric was resigned and angry, it appeared his arrival interrupted the two of them glaring in unspoken argument.

"He's being executed?" Harry asked, unsure if he even had an alternative that he would accept.

Slytherin swiftly admonished, "Willow has every right to invoke the rite of Brigid. It's quite just."

Harry mashed his lips together, his deep well of anger churned, directionless and frustrated.

Godric scratched his throat with a fist, "Common muggle punishment is to encase him in a carcass and fire arrows into him for target practice. Do you have an alternative? Do you plead on his behalf?" Godric's broad shoulders sagged, his long hair, braided back was straggling by his square jaw but he did not look overly concerned about the manner of death.

Hufflepuff glanced over at Harry, a question in her eyes that he knew she would not ask.

Ravenclaw spoke the last word, and a stag rose where Thuriet used to lay. The girl and the bruised youth separated as the stag got to his feet and bounded out of the hall.

He heard several calls from the lingering students and Harry turned to run out the hall. He passed the doors and saw the stag bound into the forest. Several witches in short dresses began to run after the stag on the green and gave chase.

Willow stood, arms folded, watching with a tight jaw.

Helplessly, Harry turned to Merlin. Merlin still sat where he left him, an inscrutable expression on his face.

Merlin stood and dusted himself off. He passed Harry, "Man or beast or wizard- the world's too far gone to be fixed."

---

Scene v: Kith

Harry was woken from his repose on the single armchair his quarters afforded him by the intonation of the statue. "Visitor hails you."

Then, Merlin's voice, exasperated. "It's Merlin."

Harry stood and opened the door and Merlin swept his gaze down over Harry's appearance. Harry shifted uncomfortably and blearily stood while Merlin talked at him.

"-me in, or will you just stand there?"

"What?"

Merlin held up a loaf of bread and a chunk of cheese with a bottle of ale.

Harry shook his head, clearing it, "Er- yeah." He stepped aside.

Merlin looked at the chamber, the potions and his cloak hung with the clatter of traps and the satchels still not placed into drawers. Merlin stepped around the items and took the foot rest. Harry crept around to sit on the armchair and Merlin eyed him again before setting down the bottle and tearing him a chunk of bread and cheese.

"Brooding or sleeping?"

Harry felt some tension leave his neck, "Neither. Both." He pressed the cheese to the bread and ripped into it. He had been starving and hadn't realised until the cheese hit his tongue.

Merlin puffed his amusement. "Brooding."

Harry felt the bread stick to his mouth and Merlin offered him the ale. Harry swigged it.

Merlin remained quiet, his manner expectant.

Harry said, "I just stood there."

Merlin furrowed his brow. "You stopped-"

Harry shook his head, "I just let them kill him."

Merlin didn't say anything and Harry didn't look at him. Looking at his hands, 'I will not tell lies' stared back at him. "I'd have let Willow gut him on the ground." Harry shut his eyes, the watery and somewhat pillowy taste of ale washed down his throat.

Merlin said, "Interesting that you're not concerned that he's dead."

Harry swallowed heavily and balefully glared at the bread and cheese as his stomach made plaintive demands.

Merlin sighed, "You couldn't have done anything. Lady Rowena wouldn't have let anyone who pleaded defense or knowledge live anyway."

Harry shook his head, "She's not… Hufflepuff or Gryffindor, surely would-"

"No." Merlin said firmly. He pointed at the bread, reminding him to eat like a disciplinarian, and explained. "They'd never. You met Helen today?" It started as a statement but it ended in question at Harry's blank expression. "The social status clinger-"

He bit into his bread and cheese, face blank.

Merlin rolled his eyes to the side and his eyelid flicked impatiently, "She'd be quite beautiful to the untrained eye. I'd have joined the ranks of hopeful courtiers if she wasn't a shrew."

Harry chewed, "I met a witch in a pointy hat. Slytherin said she'd hex my balls."

"That's her." Merlin wrestled with a smile before continuing. "Helen is a product of Lady Ravenclaw's defilement." Harry cringed at Merlin's choice of words, and sudden figure of the Grey Lady. Long flowing hair, silvery countenance, but their same superior expression confirmed his disbelief.

"The Lady Rowena is a gowpenful- o' anything but-" Harry's face stopped Merlin and he restated, "- lunatic in most respects." Merlin tried to maneuver around to stoke the fire.

Harry said, "In respect to this-"

Merlin sighed as he managed to rake the embers. "Merciless."

"How do you know all this?" Harry finished the last of the chunk Merlin had brought him.

"Slytherin and Helen have a close relationship, like father and daughter. I might have been…" Merlin shrugged, "- at the right place, at the right time." Merlin glanced back at Harry.

Harry took another draught and wiped his mouth.

Merlin looked at him with a strange expression for a second, then chucked the rest of the bread at Harry's head, "Eat this too."

Harry caught it and looked at Merlin cooly.

Merlin said flatly, "Stop burdening yourself with this."

Harry quietly said, tearing and pressing the bits together, "What he would have done, it isn't right."

Merlin dragged the seat closer to the fire. "No." He readjusted and said more vehemently, "No. But death happens for less, all the time. Though, you- not being quite the warrior I thought you were- are apparently against the whole idea." Merlin stuck out his hands over the fire and said a word, tossing one of the many twigs he kept on his person into the flame. The flame jumped merrily into yellow and orange, and Harry could feel his face warm.

Harry knew he was referring to the stag. Harry sighed and cast a look at Snake burrowed in his coverlets.

He said quietly, "I'm sorry."

Merlin glanced over at him. Then said to the fire, "I can tolerate a bit of uncertainty."

Harry looked at the crumbs on his lap and what was left of the food. He took another swig of the ale, knowing that it would do nothing like the honeymead of the isle, but wished it all the same.

Merlin cast his glare to Harry, "A bit, Aerer."

Harry said, "That's not my name."

Merlin raised an eyebrow.

Harry sighed and leaned forward. "This never leaves us. Alright?" Harry pointed at Merlin. Then waved his hand, feeling a little too defensive. "You've got...things going on, too and I expect Gryffindor and Slytherin and the rest of them have their own designs about why I'm here but-"

Harry suddenly put his elbows on his knees and sighed, ashamed to sense that he was out of his depth. He bit down on his lips from letting that slip out.

Merlin had sunk forward, prepared and waiting for the explanation and met his eyes levelly. Harry didn't expect him to be that close so suddenly and flushed. He leaned back and tried to start again, quickly.

"I found out why Slytherin's been avoiding your questions about runes."

Merlin smirked and ran his hand above his ear. Harry tried to explain, beginning from when he was on the isle collecting plants.

After about five minutes, Merlin began to pace around his quarters. He paused as Harry adjusted the arm chair to look at him.

"Slytherin sent Godric to the Misty Isle, Avalon itself-" Merlin held out his hands as if this needed to be confirmed beyond proof. Harry nodded.

Merlin continued his re-explanation, "He sent him there under the guise of finding a rune stone," Merlin pointed, "-which was announced to the students had been the cause of the raid not two moons past. He hoped that Godric would...what," He put his hands akimbo. "-connect or somehow obtain a magical connection with Morgana, who you say is the goddess of the isle which I find hard to picture, but-" Merlin waved his arms in front of him, dismissing the point.

He asked for clarification, "A connection?"

Harry shrugged. "He said-"

Merlin finished his sentence, "-not devour his flesh literally."

Harry narrowed his eyes, "How did you know that?"

Merlin shrugged a shoulder, closed his eyes, then shrank and moulded into a bird. The bird of prey flapped for a second and Harry jolted up right, "It was you!"

The falcon gave a cry and Merlin returned, his flesh wrapping quickly out of the wings and feathers. He flopped to the ground breathing heavily, his robes mussed.

Harry said. "You're an animagus."

Merlin laughed breathless, "Takes the breath straight out of me, but falcon's fast. Can't-" he swallowed and tried to right his robes to cover his chest and legs. "- can't shift betwixt too quickly with other forms, yet."

Harry shoved the question of other forms Merlin had away and tried to focus, averting his eyes. "Godric is likely still convinced that the stone needs to be regained- if there even was a stone in the first place."

Merlin shook his head, coming to sit back on the foot rest. "Slytherin must have other agents, if he was responsible for creating or finding the stone he did not think was necessary."

Harry smiled, an inexpressible sense of nostalgia overwhelming him. Hermione and Ron and he, sitting by the common room fire, reasoning out what likely plot would attempt to kill him throughout the years. He felt a little of that, with Merlin reasoning out the parts he'd have missed but either of his friends would have caught. Even Draco, when he came around.

Harry remembered that he would have tried to explain to Merlin why he was batty about killing the stag. "D'you have a wand on you? Not sure I can do without. I said I'd try to explain."

Merlin tilted his head, "I have a sturdy wand of Hawthorn but it chose me, and I'd not like to use it up for a demonstration."

Harry shook his head and held out his hand, "It's not that kind of spell." Merlin regarded him suspiciously for a moment and Harry grinned. "Promise." Merlin went to his boot and withdrew a moderately sized stick.

Harry accepted it and let that moment of happiness overtake him. Ron was laughing at something that Hermione had pedantly muttered from over her book, it was Christmas in Grimmauld place. They were conspiring against the world, the three of them. Suddenly, brightly, like sunspot, Ginny leaned over the couch and popped her head over the chess board to disparage Ron of his strategy.

Harry didn't need to shout, "Expecto Patronum," but he had to hold onto that painful blinding memory with more force than he was used to, for longer.

Merlin watched with intense fascination as a silvery mist threaded out of the wand, billowing into the shape of a stag Harry knew.

Harry looked at it, and it filled him with such a soothing sense of peace. The prongs and antlers majestic, the hooves cloven in the way he remembered.

Harry said, with Merlin's wide eyes afield to the creature. "My dad was an animagus. His form was a stag."

Merlin said, amazement, "That's not a stag, Aerer-" Merlin corrected himself. "Aerer not Aerer- if this spectre is your father, then he was a Ceryneian Hind."

Harry, unbothered in the presence of his patronus shrugged Merlin's assumption off, "Pretty sure Siri- I mean, my Dad's mates knew what they were talking about."

Merlin briefly touched his forehead and then dragged his gaze away from the apparition, "This ghost is a Goddesses steed."

Harry scoffed and said, "It's a patronus." He waved the wand that was a stick, "The patronus charm is to ward off Dementors."

Merlin's face grew slack, "Dementors?"

Harry glanced at the patronus, now sniffing the bed to bump noses with Snake who had grown curious. "You don't know? They've got to be around." Harry tried the description, twisting the Hawthorn branch in his hands. "They make you feel as if you'll never be happy again. Cold, clammy."

Merlin said looking back at the patronus with awe. The patronus flicked it's ear back as it met Merlin's eyes. "A bane against the Nothing."

Harry shrugged and he dismissed his patronus and handed back the wand to Merlin.

Merlin asked, regarding Harry with a soft curiosity. "I have the passage needed to contact your friends."

Harry blinked then twisted, "Passage?"

"The payment."

Harry nearly righted glasses on his nose then stopped himself. "How?"

"The death of Thuriet."

The flare of irritation soared through Harry. He was going to ask Merlin about the dragon he had mentioned but now, "What the bloody hell did you do?"

Merlin rolled his tongue over his teeth and tilted his jaw up, "I took the opportunity to not waste a death."

Harry breathed sharply out his nose, and with fortitude he didn't have he took a moment to think. "Right."

Merlin said, "We could go tonight?"

Harry's heart leapt at the possibility he'd be able to talk with them in a matter of hours, then flattened his hair to his forehead. "There's something else you need to know."

Merlin's face was alight with avid interest.

"My friends are technically behind magical barriers... but it's more like, one of them is a thousand years into the future, and the other about thirty or so years behind him."

Merlin was taking shallow breaths. Harry was gravely concerned he'd sent him into a state.

Merlin lunged at Harry's shoulders, "Finally." He smiled and whooped, his grip on Harry was tight as he threw back his head and laughed.

Harry was bodily shaken by Merlin before he patted his hand to let off. "What exactly is finally?"

Merlin grabbed Harry's hand and gripped it then with a feverish color and crooked smile rushed, "The way back- solve my problem with the bind that damn dragon put on me down South."

Harry felt the callouses on Merlin's hand keenly. Hermione's hand was much smaller, softer and was the last hand he had held.

Merlin released him quickly, standing and touching his forehead as he whirled around the room as if he was prepared to blast the wall away to dare confine him. "I could save the lives of my family, my brother- I could stop this stupid mess of conflicts broiling to a war, stop this criminal farce of a wizard sepulcher, restore magic and-" He turned, suddenly stopping. "You're out of time - as your friends are, aren't you?"

Harry was gaping. In this situation Ron would say 'Merlin's wand tented pants' but Harry suspected that even said with tongue in cheek, it'd painfully awkward to explain. It'd be a bit on the nose for how excited Merlin was right now. Harry instead sighed, leaning back with the mess he had in front of him. "Trust me to get into the time where you haven't gone back yet."

Merlin cackled, and waved his finger around, "Yet! Yet."

Harry leaned his head on his hand propped on the arm rest. He laughed, "Shit." A second beat. "What's this about a dragon?"

Merlin swayed and plopped back on the seat, "The damn wyrm was a beast captured for war. He placed a "curse on the land", but somehow I was picked out of the crowd of displaced Umbrians."

Merlin's teeth were clenched, and he looked away from Harry, his hand tugging on a lock of his hair.

In a confessional tone, "My family were slaughtered, separated. I never did recover their bodies, even after I tricked that damn lord for my freedom and went back to the wilds. Hate festers in me. For years it was all I felt I could do."

Merlin looked aggrieved for a moment, the fire making the center of his face dark and the corners of jaw extraordinarily sharp. He shook himself minutely and then affixed Harry, his eyes numinous.

Harry swallowed.

Merlin sighed, "So, now the dragons blood that bound me to the welfare of the land up and died." Merlin wrung his hands. "Cursing me. I've been looking, searching, researching for two years now." Merlin shrugged and opened his hands briefly before folding them again and leaning on his knees. "I have to go to the gods to get the thrice cursed geas changed. The old gods. The fae hold the way to the gates between worlds and all inbetweens."

Merlin smiled, close lipped.

Harry felt gooseflesh prickle along his neck and his stomach clenched in sudden trepidation. Second thoughts were new to him, if regret wasn't, but Harry was thinking that telling Merlin in a moment of weakness might not have been such a fantastic idea.

Harry felt that Hermione would be admonishing him right now for telling Merlin, even if Draco and Ron voiced their interest.

Merlin slapped his knee, "And now you're here, and you've got to do something of the same. Let us go now, before the winds of fate seek to breath Nothing upon our names."

---

Scene vi: Goetic

Harry was beside Merlin along the Lake at the edge of the forest. Merlin had quickly developed a plan, and decided they'd be off now. Not particularly one to labour over a move, Harry detoured only to obtain a blade from the armory, despite the little comfort it afforded him. The gift that Bodhmall had told him to never go without was a potion he had tucked in his pocket.

Harry was telling himself 'I told Merlin'. There was that prickling along his skin that might have been whispering to him he shouldn't have, but he was quiet, processing.

Harry thought, trying to recall what Hermione had professed in the library of Alexandria. That there were two histories where Merlin was concerned, and that him going back in time- gaining permission, is what allowed them to use Draco's blood.

He was trying to figure out how to approach Merlin with his concerns. He had no idea how to go back in time. Merlin didn't have any descendants yet, Harry thought with doubt. He also couldn't fathom how he ended up at the library, or even if it'd be possible without the things Hermione had gathered and created.

Then there was the matter of slaying a dragon for it's blood, and also losing a very important bit of information regarding what the fuck he was actually doing anywhere. He remembered the deal, but not precisely what it actually was about.

"Merlin- what if the kelpie can't help us?"

Merlin glanced over at him irritated, holding the bloodstained leaf over the water's edge, "We just need to make a deal." He dropped it into the water and stood back.

Grand, spectacular, Harry loathed to himself. More deals.

Merlin tilted his head towards Harry and Harry knelt. As rehearsed by Merlin's direction he stated, "I call the kelpie of the Black Lake, I call to you, as told by your kin, I call upon you now."

There was a moment of silence and Harry took in a breath to say something must have gone wrong, when Merlin hissed.

Harry followed his gaze.

There was a wake under the water.

Ghostly blue eyes reflected the ashy moonlight. Ears, pointed and triangular flicked above a strange narrow head. A horse rose from the water, and with unnatural grace and not a lick of sound, reached the banks. It's coat was dripping with water, it's long black mane tangled with reeds over it's glossy midnight flanks. It was a powerfully muscled horse, Harry thought with admiration and extreme distrust.

Merlin said, "Lake guardian, may the death upon the blood of the leaf sustain you." Merlin nodded his head.

Harry edged towards Merlin a bit as the eyes of the called kelpie regarded Merlin with a toss of it's head.

"I've met one of your kind and they informed me how to- Are you… Do you know who-? " Merlin elbowed Harry.

The kelpie horse's head shook and water sprayed from it's head, it's body still streaming water even as it stood with only it's hind on the bank.

Harry glared at Merlin. Merlin held up one finger. "One question. One request."

Harry drew in a breath and steadied himself. "I request that you-"

Merlin cut him off, "Wording!"

Harry snapped back, "You do it then!"

Merlin succinctly turned and said, "Humbly, we seek a deal that allows us to ask a question for an answer in exchange for our offering."

The kelpie stomped upon the ground and Harry saw that it's hoof was turned, it's ankle still graceful, just...wrong. Merlin swallowed and nudged Harry, "More."

Harry was thankful that Bodhmall had warned him. "I've brought you another gift." He drew out a potion that reflected the moon's glow. He wasn't sure what it did, but knowing Alula it'd be a good potion. He laid it upon the ground near the kelpie but not too closely.

The kelpie tilted it's head and bent to sniff it, with its eyes unnervingly trained on Harry. It snorted and peeled back it's lips, somehow more frightening on a horse than a wolf. Harry sensed that the tribute wasn't enough, but was also thinking that this kelpie was not as playful as the other he had met. He eyed the moonlight, a quarter moon. Harry thought of the kelpie alone in the woods of the isle. Lonely. Harry asked cautiously, "What is it that you'd like?"

The kelpie tilted it's head. It's form shrank and bent. With a gush of water that blinded Harry, it transformed.

A lithe alluring figure, long hair covering parts of their naked humanoid body stood, grey skinned and haunting in the shore of the water. It raised it's hand, nails white.

Harry shook his head. Merlin was stock still.

Harry said, "I can come to visit you for no more than… an hour at a later time." Harry hoped gillyweed wasn't impossible to find. "But I will not go with you now."

The figure tilted it's head. It's incandescent eyes were mournful, it's black mouth opened and water dribbled out of it's maw. "Such a long task, for a scant mortal time. Come with me." It's voice was stronger than the kelpie that had appeared to Harry, interested merely in his scar.

Merlin leaned forward and Harry reached to place his arm over Merlin's chest. "No."

The kelpie ran its hands over itself and Harry watched as it's form rippled, fuller, it's chest rising into that of a woman's, though something distinctly skeletal still marked its composition. "A friend for a friend."

Harry shook his head and said, "Information for an hour of time and my company in which I return to the surface, alive and breathing."

The kelpie swayed back into the Lake and Merlin started forward. Harry held onto him and watched as the ghost light in the eyes shut briefly then opened again.

"You seek answers for different questions." The kelpie said, with a splitting smile, black teeth that seeped mud.

Merlin said, "Is the deal accepted?"

The kelpie's smile snapped shut and it's luminous gaze affixed to Merlin. It glared. Harry released a quick breath he didn't realise he was holding. Melin caught something he hadn't been thinking of, thank...Merlin.

The kelpie's voice thrummed, "Yes," then it shifted it's head and dragged a foot that glossed upon the water. Mellifluous as a gentle rain, it continued, "An hour of time and company in which you return to the surface, alive and breathing in exchange for … an answer to a question you have yet to ask."

Harry nodded. Merlin clarified, "A true answer. Neither lie, nor response that you do not know."

The fae creature snarled, no longer pretending humanity, "Worm tongued wretch."

Merlin bowed, and raised an eye. Harry not for the first time regretted he had done the talking with the Fates instead of Draco.

The kelpie twisted a strand of it's hair around a long six jointed finger. It ripped out it's hair and tied a knot then let it fall to the bank. "Accepted."

Merlin, his face flushed and eyes flashing in the starlight urged Harry. "Ask."

Harry thought, his mind quickly leaping to distant milestones then he looked to Merlin, and gave a small smile. "How can we contact the old gods and have them hear us and respond to more questions?"

Merlin tilted his features, touched. The kelpie laughed, a braying wheezing sound as it said, "If I knew how your kind could, I would not break those treaties- even had you the way to kill me."

Merlin's face was joyfully shrewd. Harry pressed his lips together. The kelpie stood unnaturally still as Harry and Merlin shifted for several minutes, thinking. Merlin placed a hand on his shoulder.

Harry nodded, and Merlin spoke, "How can ye find a way to reach into the inbetween of time and allow contact with a specified friend without incurring harm?"

There was a moment of breathless heartbeats and Harry watched as the kelpie's form was utterly frozen, it's feet glazed just around the gentle lap of the shore.

Then the creature was undulating, a splitting screech raked them as it dove away, splashing them with brackish water.

Merlin laughed, wiping the drench from his face.

Harry was horrified and sputtered the Black Lake from his mouth.

"Underestimated us, beardless as we are, hungry as it likely is." Merlin gibed.

"What have you done?" Harry said.

Merlin shrugged. "Played the game." He sighed, "Hopefully I haven't overlooked anything, but you might be able to meet your friend for contact here very soon."

Harry wiped his brow, his hair plastered in front of his eyes and gasped a laugh, "Cunning."

Merlin grinned, "Hopefully cunning enough, my friend. And look- two bits of information for the price of an hour." He tilted his head, "About that-"

Harry patted his forehead, and picked up the rejected potion, "Yes, about that. D'you know about gillyweed?"

---

Scene vii: Duende

Biod Barry brought him back to attention with a hand on his back. "Oi. Break fast with us? Me n' Ogier Prewett-" he gestured to the tall red head, "-think you've earned a spot with us."

Harry squinted. Morning training was a bit difficult to wake for since he and Merlin had stayed up in the wee hours.

Harry knew not to expect Merlin on the training field again, but wished he'd come so he had an excuse. After the clean up and replacement of weapons in the armory which Godric had left them to, the group had all stated their names. Biod had introduced himself on the practice field but the table had taken turns introducing themselves and the other, in an order that Harry knew wasn't random but couldn't fathom.

"So, Aerer," Biod said, mirth in his naturally musical voice when they were seated at the tables, "Sounds a bit like a yardsons name of Arthur, no?"

He certainly hoped not. "Er. No." He tried futility to clean his blistered hands in the washbowl. Snake had told him to wrap his hands but no- he thought to himself savagely.

"Look, he's not going to tell us where he's from Biod, so stop hopin' the newest protege is goin' to give in." Ogier said, the apple in his throat bobbing.

Gaillard inserted, "Din't effin' tell Lord Godric Gryffindor his'self 'ow he ramblasted that ol' soggy druid down." Gaillard had held Thuriet with Helen. The large youth still had his rough mouth decorated with a bruise beginning to turn green.

Harry had shrugged, thinking it was strange that they had invited him and then seemed to make a sport of who could make him the most uncomfortable.

Gawain of Gippeswic, the blonde and tanned, stabbed into his eggs, "Said enough yesterday in that nasty business."

Harry stopped layering his egg on a bread slice. "What do you mean by that."

Gawain flicked his eyes up at Harry like he'd engage.

Rolland, a rotund but solid boy smacked his head.

Gawain covered his head and glared, "Rollo! You know my head's sore."

Rollo looked at his hand like it had a mind of its own. "Fickle fairies, I just don't know what's- oh no! Look out! It might land on a vain child again!" He feinted smacking Gawain again and held his hand back with his other.

Biod and Ogier laughed. Rollo shrugged at Gawain's obvious upset.

Haveron, a curly headed man who had hair perpetually covering a birthmark on his cheek, had his shuttered black eyes affixed to Harry. He said, "You seem to have made wet little lord Leofrick's pants."

Harry had held his breakfast bread, considering pressing Gawain on the matter, but felt he was unprepared to carry on a conversation without resorting to leaping over the table if it went wrong. That'd be the last thing he needed. "I haven't done anything to Leofrick."

Haveron carefully spread some jam on his toast with a knife, "I suppose it's his disposition then."

"Or his age!" Biod said, nearly indignant.

An older boy with chestnut dreadlocks and braids in a rats nest of hair, referred to only as Thumb, muttered darkly, "You mean he's a curs'd Christo." His white face had blue thin lines scarred around his brow and narrow eyes.

Rollo slammed his fists on the table, chewing with his mouth open, and then explained to Harry, jutting a thumb at Haveron. "Harvey's just peeved because his kinsman's been fighting Leofrick's kinsman for ages."

Harry looked back at Haveron who rolled his eyes and sighed in irritation, "I told you- proper name, please."

"Oi, oi, oi," Barry backhanded Ogier, "Oggy, Oggy, lookit, look who's come in."

Ogier whipped his head up from the food and Harry couldn't help but be drawn in and away from problems he hadn't come to terms with.

Barry leaned forward to earnestly say to Gaillard, "You damn snail, I can't believe the Lady Helen let you come within mere inches of her hand, and you didn't even kiss it for me."

Gaillard didn't seem amused.

Helen was sweeping into the room, her head covered in a different hat today. Harry turned back to his breakfast, thinking of Merlin's comment last night and snorted.

Barry stood up and said loudly, "The dawn has gotten brighter by your very appearance Lady Helen." Barry smiled and raised his brows.

Helen sneered, and then spotting Harry, came over. She said, "You. Lord Slytherin commands that you accompany me into the forest to receive a tithe. Merlin as well, though I do not see him about your hip."

The table looked at Aerer and Harry froze, his mess of egg cheese and jam halfway to his mouth. He shut it and said, "Er- right. When?"

"After Lord Slytherin is finished with his meal." Helen sniffed. Harry realised that most of the table, except him and Thumb, had stood when she approached. She turned to Barry and said, "I would prefer your grovelling to be less loud in the future."

Barry nodded, "Of course m'lady, should only the softest of my joyous cries fall upon your golden ears."

Helen's face told him he'd better, and dipped, straight backed, into a curtsy. Those standing all bowed deeply in return.

She whirled away and Ogier placed a hand over his heart in solidarity with Barry.

Barry sat back down and grinned, "She noticed me!"

Gawain told Harry, flicking his knife between them, "You're going to have to duel Barry boy-o here first to get in line for her courtship."

Harry with a lopsided smile said, "So I've heard," and shoved more food into his mouth.

Barry sighed and quickly took in another large gasp of air, "It's not me you have to worry about, you know. Lord Slytherin's practically got it in for every man that's ever approached her. I've got oaths and fealty and honor and the like- but not a plot of land to my name despite my title and it's power he's concerned about."

Harry tried to explain, "I wouldn't even think of it and I'm just… Aerer."

Ogier said, "Codswallop, you've been chosen by Lord Gryffindor."

Thumb said, still ripping into a slice of dried meat he had gotten from somewhere, "Slytherin'll have mercenary Thornton's sinew for his laces long 'fore you can even approach the topic. That'll be enough of a message."

Harry knew he shouldn't spray the food in his mouth but couldn't help himself, "-rr-n?"

Thumb scrunched his nose over at the other side of the room to a dark haired, handsome man who looked to be older than most that sat around his table.

Slytherin, as if summoned by his name, strode into the hall, he moved quite quickly and came over to where Helen had taken her seat next to some other witches.

Ogier set his mug down on the table and nodded at Gryffindor and Hufflepuff at the high table. "They've been quite grey all morning. Wonder what the Lord Slytherin's so happy about."

Rollo and Haveron were exchanging theories while Harry was contemplating Godric's rough, short speech on the necessity of the protection of others and their duties. He had not been as on edge as the morning he had come to fetch Harry for training. Harry concluded that the execution must have bothered Godric, in some particular way.

Thumb said out of the corner of his mouth, "Merlin and ye had the stag?"

Harry looked at Thumb and took a swig of his watery ale, "Yeah." He muttered darkly.

Thumb nodded, "Too bad about it getting away, but I get the feeling you wouldn't have liked the prize." Thumb was sizing Harry up and ripped into his jerky with a tear.

Harry furrowed his brow, "What was the prize?"

Thumb rubbed his finger along his nose and tucked his meat chew into his cheek. "Why don't you ask why Merlin wanted you on his team and still let the stag get away."

Harry, not liking the tone that Thumb was taking, said back, "I let the stag go."

Thumb made a face and his upper teeth bared. "You don't move like you're a maiden."

Harry glared at Thumb. Thumb wasn't like the others, who chose to neglect manners around the other men. Thumb appeared to be a little feral around the edges.

His light eyes rolled up behind Harry and Harry felt someone approaching. Merlin raised a brow at Thumb and looked at Harry. Before Merlin opened his mouth there was a sudden commotion.

A man shouted, "Lord of the Red House, Godric Gryffindor! Urgent- my lord, grievous news." Godric stood from the table with severity.

The man was bleeding from an arrow sticking out of his shoulder. Rust colored blood stained his heraldry. A student nearby rushed to the man while exclamations flew around the hall. The witch tried to pull him to a table looking white faced for Helga Hufflepuff, who followed Gryffindor.

The man waved off the witch and produced a leather fold, he stumbled to where Godric stood before him. Harry was on his feet unconsciously and felt that the rest of the table had also stood.

The messenger knelt, falling heavily. He proffered the parcel, his head bent, to Godric who ripped it open. The witch and Helga tried to lead the man away, Helga summoning a cot and the other witch trying to ease the man upon it.

Godric's jaw clenched. His eyes finished scanning the message and then looked at his group standing at the table. Slytherin came up to Godric, his hands out for the message and face intent.

Godric passed him the message without looking at him. Slytherin began reading immediately. Godric moved to lay a hand on the uninjured shoulder of the man and he muttered a word.

Merlin's voice beside Harry sounded uninterested, "This does not bode well."

Godric announced, "Essex has been invaded, the forces of Anglo-Saxony has been advised by the insidious Etheulgart to form a battalion to broach the forces with dark magic."

The student body listening took the news with movement but little complaint. Several others in the crowd stood and began to move forward, Thornton and Rulf included.

Godric turned to Slytherin, "There is to be War, whether we are the cause or the defenders remains to be seen."

Slytherin looked sour but he nodded. He tucked his head at Thornton and Hufflepuff placed her hands on Tristan's shoulders as he moved forward. Leofrick looked quite gobsmacked and pale, pleading with Tristan.

Godric turned towards the group, "We leave before the sun reaches the pinnacle of the day."

Ogier turned to Harry, "Are you coming?" His thin freckled face was serious.

Merlin gave a puff of air in derision, "He's not-"

Harry looked at Godric and said, "Yeah." He moved towards Godric who watched him with immeasurable weight.

"I'm coming with you." Harry said.

Godric drew his silver blade. "Kneel and take your oath."

Merlin came up forcefully, "He's not vested in any fealty, he doesn't know what it means-"

Slytherin said, "You have no right to interfere." He beckoned Rulf and Thornton forward, and the people took seats and began embracing arms and friends. Harry felt but did not see the eyes on him.

Merlin grabbed Harry's shoulder to turn to look at him, "You're sure?" Merlin's face was stretched, his eyes bright.

Harry was sure, in the way that his bones had told him to trust Morgana, in the way he knew he had to die one day at the hand of Voldemort. "Yes. I'll never hide or wait for Dark forces that will come for me or anyone else, not anymore."

Merlin's lip curled and then his face turned painfully concerned. He released his shoulder. "This isn't your fight."

Harry replied, "It doesn't matter."

Merlin stared. Then breathing again, he turned to Slytherin, "My Lord…"

Slytherin flickered a smirk, "Yes, Merlin, I shall send you."

Merlin bowed and Harry felt a crush in his heart as Godric said atonally, "Kneel now."

Harry knelt.

Godric Gryffindor raised his voice for all to hear. "Raise your hand."

Godric pressed the tip of his blade into the palm of Harry's hand, "By your hand," Harry realised that Godric needed him to press his hand to the point where it would bleed and did so.

"By your blood." Godric took the point of his blade and placed it against Harry's neck, drawing a line against the side of his throat. Harry felt a gravity lock his knees and lay upon his shoulders.

It was a splice of white pain and an uncruel lick of flame ran under his skin.

Godric said in sombre weight, "By your death, dead already in defense, sacrifice. In peace, vigil. In war, courage."

---

Updated same day because I forgot two important details and one detail. Wanna be my beta?

AN: Rape wasn't necessarily a term outside of Roman legal terms, and it wasn't a term or necessarily a 'public' crime in all areas of Britannia. I did some work on the history, but as they are wizards and women have innate power (though they still are susceptible to gender roles) I have tried to make a point about the perception of justice. The entire situation is meant to be jarring and poses important questions to the development of 'rebuilding' and what exactly is the central issue of 'fixing' the issue. I am open to thought out discussions and critique, as always.

Cuchulain; mythic hero that Slytherin refers to. One of the first heroes.

Dalcop; means foolish or dull, head- idiot

Fustilugs; something that's gone off or gone stale, usually in reference to a woman

Fopdoodle; an insignificant foolish man

Liver-eater/ Levereter; means corrupt

Yardson;son of a prostitute/ bastard