Hogwarts Year 3005
(1000 years later)
"What do we know about the WEA?" Professor Rotaun asked the class, her stern face marked by wrinkles and faded scars. Her light brown hair, streaked with grey, clashed with her pale blue eyes, the pupils dilating in and out mechanically as she focused on her class. "Yes, Enton?"
Enton, a 12-year-old non-magical, frowned. "The WEA was the first attempt at a government body that oversaw both the magicals and non-magicals." He blinked down at his textbook and back up at the board, narrowing his eyes.
The professor gave a short nod. "And why did it fail? Helixa?"
"They were weak. And they sought to unite the world, opening their borders to their detriment," the magical girl responded with her chin raised.
"Exactly." Rotaun smiled. "The WEA was fundamentally weak. It lacked an executive. It had an overly burdensome human rights policy. And as Helixa said, they thought to expand outwards, subjecting themselves to the filth of foreign influence."
Enton continued frowning, looking at his book and considering the professor's words. He asked, "Professor? How was the WEA able to survive for so long with such weakness?"
Rotaun looked at him thoughtfully. "Throughout history, we've seen regimes stay in power far longer than they should. In the WEA, the leaders took a simple man, Harry Potter, and tried to turn him into a hero. They used his memory to keep a fundamentally flawed government in power. We know now, of course, that Harry Potter was nothing more than a corrupt and immoral politician, who sought to bring foreign interests into the WEA for personal gain."
Enton nodded, but still felt something was missing from her explanation. He understood the True British Alliance (TBA) was responsible for picking up the pieces of the WEA, but struggled to understand why the WEA itself was such a failure. But he was intelligent enough to know not to ask any more questions.
"It's important that you all understand and appreciate why the TBA is the one and only true form of government in Great Britain. The TBA provides us everything. Ensures we remain clean from outside influence. We live in Utopia here, never fearing for our safety, because the True Force has the ability to take immediate and swift action against all criminals," she clipped.
Enton looked around at the walls covered in TBA propaganda, and at the cameras that shifted, zooming in and out. He returned his gaze forward and attempted to smile.
Enton swallowed as the professor's mechanical eye zoomed in on him, and he irrationally feared that the non-magical instructor was somehow able to read his mind. What if they find out about me? He was 4th generation Italian, which meant that according to the TBA, he was not entitled to live in Britain, and could be killed for appropriating resources intended for true British citizens.
He attempted to relax, emulating Helixa's serene facial expression. Enton had earned one of only 25 non-magical spots in his class to study at Hogwarts. It was an incredible risk, given the scrutiny that students went through and the truth of his heritage, but his parents wanted him to have the opportunity to truly excel.
The problem was, the more he learned at Hogwarts, the more troubled he felt about the current regime. He understood the penalty for sedition, but couldn't help but feel that continuing to hide and say nothing was inherently wrong.
It all started because Enton loved history and reading. He spent extensive time in the Hogwarts library, and was surprised when the library itself granted him access to books that had been banned by the TBA. One such book was a biography of Harry Potter, written by Pansy Parkinson. Its description of Potter and the origins of the WEA greatly differed from what was in the official history books.
But could the Professor be right? Perhaps the biography itself was the fiction, something written to build up a fundamentally flawed man and perpetuate a failed regime. He wanted to believe that, because it would be easier to just believe the propaganda. But the stories Pansy wrote about, Harry Potter's trials and the rise of Daphne Greengrass, seemed at odds with the TBA's own historical records — to an unsettling degree.
Enton's thoughts were interrupted by a soft melody indicating it was time for lunch.
"Enton, may I speak with you for a moment?" Professor Rotaun asked in a tone that brooked no argument. He nodded nervously, working his way up to the front of the classroom while the others streamed out, giving him curious glances.
Once the room was empty, the professor closed the door and turned to him. "Enton, do you know why I asked to speak with you?"
"Uh—" his mouth went dry and his heart beat erratically. Does she know? "Because I asked why the WEA lasted so long?"
She nodded, walking over to one of the posters on the wall. "It was a good question, but it should have been obvious." She held a finger to her mouth, quieting Enton, and proceeded to pull some sort of lever. A soft buzz filled the room. "Alright, you can speak freely now." She smiled.
"Sorry?" Enton sputtered.
"I've temporarily blocked the TBA's surveillance. I want you to feel comfortable asking what you really wanted to ask in class today," she spoke softly.
He wondered if this was a trap; did they suspect he wasn't really British? "That isn't necessary, Professor. As you mentioned, it's obvious why the WEA lasted in spite of its failures, and I appreciate you taking the time to humour me in class. I won't make the mistake of speaking out of turn in the future."
Rotaun shook her head and laughed. "I understand your hesitation. But I also know that Hogwarts has taken a liking to you. She's given you some forbidden books, hmm?"
Enton's face went red and he started panicking. "Uh. I'm sorry—"
"Stop," she interrupted. "I'm not here to reprimand you. I've noticed you since you arrived last year; you're interested in the truth but are reluctant to ask questions. You're not alone."
He wanted to trust the professor, but there was too much at stake. At this point, if he were caught with forbidden books, his family would probably be okay. But if he said something more, expressed his illegal thoughts and questions, he could put everyone he had ever met in danger.
"I don't understand."
"You're scared." She sat on the edge of her desk to maintain eye contact with him. "I'm part of a group that has ensured that the real history of our world remains known. We recruit those we see with the potential to think outside of the TBA's propaganda — in the hope that one day the TBA will be overthrown."
Enton's eyes went wide. What his Professor was talking about was tantamount to treason. If anyone heard her, she would likely be immediately killed without trial. "Why me?" he asked.
She smiled. "I'm from a line of people, magical and non-magical, who have had the unique ability to communicate with Hogwarts. While she may allow the TBA to use this school to further its agenda, she fights back in her own ways. She sees your intelligence, your questioning, and believes you would be an asset."
"So you're saying everything you teach is a lie?" Enton frowned.
"History is written by the victors. All history is, in essence, biased. Even that book about Harry Potter you have, written by a close personal friend, leaves out some of the more unsavory elements of his life. Many of the facts I teach in class are true, but good propaganda takes such truths and distorts them into something else," she explained.
"But what could I possibly do?" he asked, nerves beginning to subside. He desperately wanted to believe her. He may have been naive or idiotic, but he suddenly felt like there was a path ahead for him that didn't make his stomach squirm.
"Nothing at the moment. Just continue your studies in the library — continue to question. Obviously, only to yourself or with me," she explained.
"So, what is the truth then?" he asked
"There is no singular truth," she started, shaking her head. "The WEA wasn't perfect. But it pulled Western Europe out of chaos. They experienced their own golden age, but eventually their military body, the Corps, became too powerful. A group of corrupt generals began allowing foreign interests to dictate military procedure. I believe this is what led to the TBA gaining power; the betrayal of the Corps made people afraid of outsiders.
"Of course, the TBA manipulated the public, as most totalitarian regimes do," she finished, speaking as if she hadn't just uttered what would be considered blasphemy. It made sense though, he realized. Unlike nearly everything else he had read in his history books or heard in class, this actually seemed logical.
"How do you know all of this?" Enton asked, exhaling a breath he'd been inadvertently holding.
"I'm a descendent of Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy," she explained.
"Who?" He frowned.
She offered a slight smile. "They lived during the time of the Event and the founding of the WEA. Hermione Granger had the unique ability to channel primal magic and communicate with Hogwarts through that magic. Eventually, they determined this ability was passed to one child in each generation. Through communication with Hogwarts, a sort of oral history was developed. I can communicate with my ancestors through her, and understand the facts that history skews in a way others don't."
"And you're telling me?"
"'How could they see anything but the shadows if they were never allowed to move their heads?' Are you familiar with the quote?" Enton shook his head and Rotaun continued, "It's from an ancient philosopher, Plato. He believed that true freedom and understanding could only be achieved through knowledge. He posited that only once a person learns the truth, or what truths can be known, can they truly live in the world, rather than merely live in shadows. Only with knowledge can a person truly be free.
"I believe, if we want to change the world, or at the very least our own country, we need to first share the truth where possible. Both Hogwarts and I agreed that you seemed curious and intelligent enough to accept it. I hope we didn't misjudge you," she finished, frowning thoughtfully.
"No," he said without hesitation, shaking his head. "You didn't. I think. I just... it's quite overwhelming."
Her eyes flashed with a knowing glint. "The truth often is."
"I guess, I don't really understand. Why are you here? Shouldn't you be underground sowing rebellion?" he asked.
She laughed. "It's not quite so simple. There are those who rebel that way, for better or worse. But I believe it's worth it for me to be here to find people like you. I also have a responsibility to Hogwarts." She paused, her face betraying a moment of concern before continuing. "This castle is more than just a school. It sits on a magical nexus. It can be influenced or corrupted. One time, such a thing happened, and humanity almost went extinct. So in addition to finding others, I stay here to ensure history doesn't repeat itself."
Enton nodded. "I guess that makes sense. But what can we possibly do about the TBA?"
"We do what we can. We find people willing to learn the truth and hope that those in power realize the error of their ways. This is just a moment in time; the TBA won't always be here. No regime stays in power forever.
"This world is what we make of it. Hopefully, one day we'll learn from the horrors the TBA has brought us and become something more. To me, that's the fundamental flaw in TBA propaganda — the insistence that we are right now living in a Utopia. Because if there's one thing I know, it's that such a thing doesn'texist. At least not for everyone. But we keep working to make the world more.
"Enton, all I ask is that you continue to question and learn. Because you never know; sometimes, one moment in time, one decision, can change the world."
Wiltshire, England
January, 1980
Narcissa Malfoy was inspecting her drawing room, completing her preparations for a dinner party that evening, when the chandelier above her shook.
She frowned, looking up, and wondered what on earth could have caused the disturbance. The library stood directly above her so, with a heavy sigh, she pressed her hand against the small bump on her belly and began her trek upstairs.
Upon entering the library, she saw the strangest thing! A woman was grabbing a book off the shelf! Narcissa gawked from the threshold as a young woman spun to face her, hastily dropping a familiar looking book. The woman, who couldn't be older than twenty, stared at Narcissa, wide eyed, her hair growing frizzier as an unnatural buzzing sound came from her beaded bag.
That's when Narcissa saw it — the hourglass around her neck — a time turner, she realized. And judging by how quickly the sand was disintegrating, this woman didn't have much time left.
"I— " the woman started, eyes wide with panic. But she quickly faded, and in her place, a rather daunting sword clacked to the floor.
Narcissa carefully walked forward to examine it, but as suddenly as the sword appeared, it vanished.
The book though — it was one of Lucius'. It was a rather unappealing looking leather journal that Lucius had advised her to never touch. So when she grabbed it, intending only to put it back where it belonged, she cried out at the horrific feeling of utter despair the item awoke in her.
She took a step back, one hand caressing her belly and the other covering her heart. She knew what it was; she had heard whispers of Horcruxes at family gatherings. But to have one in her home — near her unborn son…
She vowed to destroy it.
Final Author's Note:
The summary for Finding Kallipolis starts with the line: "One difference in the past has led to a completely different world." At first glance you would think this is the Event, but in reality, it's Narcissa Malfoy destroying the Horcrux in 1980. In case it's not 100% clear, the last bit of the epilogue is depicting a canon/canon-adjacent version of Hermione going back in time in an attempt to destroy/collect Horcruxes. Something goes wrong, which leads to: Narcissa becoming aware of the Horcrux in her library (and eventually destroying it), the canon sword ending up in the Finding Kallipolis universe, and something strange happening to Hermione as a result of her canon-ish self time travelling, which allows her to channel/communicate with the nexus/primal magic. This is why Dumbledore refers to someone interfering with the past, and Hermione was given the impression the Sword of Gryffindor was "hers". (EXHALES SHARPLY)
What's next in the Finding Kallipolis world?
As I've mentioned a few times (I think), I have an already written/currently undergoing edits sequel. It's called The Candidate and follows Daphne as she runs for election. While it will take place in the Finding Kallipolis universe, the story itself is very different to Finding Kallipolis. It's more of a romantic/political drama than a sci-fi mystery, and will be entirely from Daphne' POV, but will feature: Ron Weasley, Astoria Greengrass, James Potter, Pansy Parkinson, Frank Longbottom, and Hannah Abbott. Harry Potter will show up from time to time and Hermione has a single guest appearance. Otherwise, there is literally no Dramione and one Hinny cameo. It's 13 chapters long, and will start posting on Sunday, April 11th and will update once a week (because two times a week is crazy I tell you…) Note that as of right now, I only plan to post to Ao3 (username: canttouchthis).
Otherwise, I currently have two other fics planned in this universe — for full disclosure, neither are written. One is The Officer and would focus on Draco's journey to becoming an Officer in the Corps, and follow up on the open storylines related to the Death Eaters (though some of this is touched on in The Candidate). The other fic is The Writer and would be told from Pansy Parkinson's POV as she researches and writes the biography of Harry Potter. As I mentioned, neither of these are written yet, and I do have other projects going on, but if you are interested, please subscribe to the series and you'll be alerted when they do happen.
Lastly, I'm also planning to publish (er, on Ao3) a series of "Finding Kallipolis and Philosophy" essays where I will wax on and on about the philosophical undertones of this fic. I'm sure it will make good reading if you want to fall asleep…
One last, huge thank you to my amazing alphas and beta.
Astrangefan and Art3misia both received panicked messages from me in December/January, (...and two days ago), freaking out that I somehow missed a giant plot hole in part 3, and begging them to please read the entire fic and assuage my stress. They both took the time to read this monstrosity and help to work through my concerns and ensure that the fic read right, saving me many a sleepless night.
I need to give the biggest thank you to ElizColl, without whom I believe about 60% of this fic would not have made sense. I reached out to ElizColl back in October with a "Heyyyy, any chance you want to beta 140,000 word fic? Oh yeah, I'm gonna post twice a week!" And she said yes, thank goodness. She has been my rock, spending countless hours betaing, answering weird last minute questions and generally being a constant throughout the past twenty weeks.
And thank you to everyone who read this - either as a WIP or as a complete fic.
This was one of my first Dramiones, and in hindsight it was a bit ambitious… so I appreciate anyone willing to take a chance and read 150K from a writer you've never heard of, about a world that looks nothing like canon.
As always…
I love to hear and interact with you all. Please leave a comment if you're so inclined, or perhaps a gif or an expletive. I am also on Tumblr (canttoucnthis87), Instagram (cant_touchthis87) and TikTok (canttouchthisfanfic) trying my hand at drawing and making trailers for fics. (Trying, y'all.) But if you have any remaining questions on Finding Kallipolis or just want to chat, please feel free to hit me up.
Thank you…
-Canttouchthis