AN: ...It's been eighty-four years... Ahhh, but honestly I am really sorry it's taken me this long to update guys. Life only gets crazier the more you age. Anyways, I hope you like this chapter. It took a lot to get through it, but I'm honestly pretty happy with it and it's decently long, so hopefully you'll all enjoy! It is pretty late here, and there are thirteen reviews, so I apologize but I will not be doing individual responses this time around. Just know that I love and appreciate you all and I am doing my very best to provide quality writing to you as quickly as I can. Lots of love! -Owl.
Music: "How to Return Home" by Natalie Weiss
NOTES:
"Are you Brave?" The devil asked.
"No," She answered. "But I am Alive."
Chapter 3: How to Return Home
The sun had broken through the heavy fog late that morning, bathing the castle in warm sunbeams. Students and faculty alike could be found lounging or walking in the gardens and courtyards as they went about their business. The hallways bustled with excited chatter and lots of movement as one period transitioned into another. Some were running to get to their next class on the other side of the castle, some were already enjoying their free period, some were only just heading off to their first class as it was still mid-morning. Robes rustled, laughs echoed, and shoes clapped on the stone floors.
It was surreal.
Such a stark contrast to the world she'd come to know. It had been a few weeks already and she still wasn't entirely sure how she felt about it all.
Talia moved through the corridor slowly, moving around people and avoiding bumping into others. She was heading off to Potions with Slytherin. So familiar to her and yet so foreign at the same time. She noted recognizable faces heading in the same direction, but didn't call out or make her presence known.
Staying lost in the crowd was always best.
She reached the door to her class just in time to hear Ms. Carver call to start the class, and Talia quickly slipped onto an open seat at the very back of the class. She nodded to Penny who was seated in the seat beside her and then made herself look busy with taking notes and listening to the lecture. The Ministry was insisting on some pretty strong restrictions to some of the more practical classes such as Potions or Defense Against the Dark Arts. They had some practical days, but there were now days that were entirely lectures, and Talia found herself struggling to stay awake during those classes.
She couldn't help thinking that this place wasn't the same Hogwarts she'd left behind four years ago, but, according to Merida at least, a lot had changed since the Ministry moved in. Talia couldn't say she was all that surprised to hear it.
Still, there was something about the old castle that pulled at her. Something that called her to a life that had long-since passed.
An hour of lecturing later, and Talia was on her way out of class with everyone else, walking alongside her year-mates as they chatted. Merida caught up to her and insisted she join her conversation with Astrid about the perks and flaws of different weapons. Astrid obviously favored her axe, and Merida her bow, but Merida wanted to know what Talia thought.
"I'm partial to swords, myself. Been usin' them since I was little, ya know?" Talia offered with a shrug.
"Really? I didn't know! We should spar sometime." Astrid smiled, and Talia chuckled a little.
"Talia's grandfather was a great swordsman! The Philoctetes! We got to see her show off a bit over the Summer when we ran into each other at the Northern border of Gabylonia!" Merida informed Astrid excitedly as she nudged Talia with her elbow. Talia tried to smile in return, but even she could feel it turn into a grimace at the attention.
"What?! Well, how come nobody told me? That's amazing!" Astrid exclaimed.
"It's not something I share a lot." Talia told her, which earned her a confused glance.
"That's crazy! If I were the granddaughter of the legendary Trainer of Heroes, you'd never get me to shut up about it!" Astrid said.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of my family Grandfather, but having people care about me only because of him got old pretty fast." Talia's eyes wandered ahead of them to where Justin and Lara were walking together. Him smiling a little nervously, and her laughing loudly about something.
"I'm guessing there's history there?" Astrid said it as more of a question out of respect, but the answer was painfully obvious.
"Let's just say he didn't learn the basics of the sword from those stuffy old knights... But I'd rather that stay between us." Talia muttered before adding on a bit more softly. She didn't need or want to stir up any trouble.
The other two girls nodded sharply, indicating they understood and wouldn't utter another word on it. Before silence could envelope their group entirely, Jack Frost appeared beside Merida. He looked tired and thoughtful, which was incredibly strange when considering this was the same Jack Frost from Talia's youth.
"What did Ms. Carver want with you?" Merida asked before she'd even fully turned to see him, completely aware of her friend's sudden appearance.
"She's worried I'm falling behind. This is the second extension she's given me for homework." Jack admitted reluctantly.
"Jack, it's still just the beginning of the school year." Merida's furrowed together and up as she looked at him. "Are you sure you won't consider a tutor? I'm sure Rapunzel can at least work through it with you."
"And when would any of us have time for that?" Jack asked, probably a little more sharply than he meant to. He paused, softening, but continued. "And what about you? Rapunzel told me you missed your Divination class yesterday!"
Merida winced. "It was a practice day and I needed to catch up with my Charms homework."
"You know, he's got a point. Between all the extra training you three are doing and fighting the war and going to all those meetings, I'm honestly surprised you've all lasted this long in class." Astrid told them.
"I have to agree with her. You're spread too thin. Maybe consider a gap year? Or at least a break until the war is over? Being a bit behind isn't the worst thing in the world. Catching up can be a bit difficult, but look at me; I've been gone two whole years and still manage to have some classes with my year-mates." Talia said, hoping it would encourage them and that they'd possibly just rest.
She was starting to see the similarities between them and Cat.
"I may have to agree with you on that one." Jack's mouth quirked up a little on one side, and Talia smiled back.
"Talia? Talia, is that you?" She stiffened at the sound of Justin calling her name, apparently having finally noticed her.
She supposed it was normal. She was still getting surprised 'welcome backs' from various old acquaintances, she was, after all, taking about half of her classes with fifth or sixth years, so it was natural that some people wouldn't notice her sudden and quiet addition back into the school. But this one just made her feel bitter and angry.
She, Astrid, Merida, and Jack all looked forward to see Justin had stopped walking and was looking over his shoulder at them. Lara looked slightly annoyed, but Justin was staring at Talia with wide eyes and wide smile.
"I can't believe it! Where have you been? When did you come back to Hogwarts?" Justin gushed, turning fully to speak to her, and Talia tried not to scowl as one of her brows arched upward.
"Oh, Justin, dearest! Didn't you hear? Talia couldn't afford her tuition." Lara sauntered over, resting her hand on Justin's shoulder and throwing Talia a side glance.
Taking a deep breath, Talia gave her own, tight response. "I came back at the start of the year with everyone else. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have homework to do."
Talia lifted her chin and brushed passed them. She kept walking and didn't bother looking back.
Later that evening found Talia in the kitchens, loading trays full of food for the Royal Council meeting taking place. The main courses would be teleported magically like always, but refreshments would be refilled by Talia and a few other servants.
Officially, Talia had taken this job as a way to help subsidize her tuition. Unofficially, it gave her access to conversations and information she would otherwise not have.
Grabbing one of the prepped pitchers and a towel, Talia made her way up the servants stairs to the Great Hall along with the other servants. Entering found the Hall mostly empty as it had been converted into the primary meeting place of the Royal Council and students were sent to smaller Halls or even their dorms for some meals now. Occasionally the Council would allow students to eat in the Hall during the meeting if the discussion was not too important.
Talia drifted from round table to round table on the main floor where the champions, generals, and other military leaders were seated, watching the Royals themselves discuss up on the dais.
"What news is there of the Cursed Stones? Have we found a solution to the Moon's Corruption? Or at least the source of it?" The Prince of Syracuse, Proteus, spoke up.
"I believe the source is simply due to over-exposure to Dark Magic. With Pitch's return, I simply haven't had the power necessary to care for the Moon. This is why I am currently training her Highness, Princess Rapunzel, to control it's power." Tsar Lunar replied, his voice naturally softer and calming. A natural hush fell over the whole room as everyone turned to listen.
"And how is it going?" Prince Proteus inquired, as everyone's gazes shifted to the Princess in question.
"Well, I..." Rapunzel visibly swallowed before continuing. "I'm learning everything I can, and I've been getting better at banishing the stones... But I'm afraid the Moon's power is quite different from my own magic and it's going to take time." She finished, looking fairly uncertain.
"If we lose the Moon to Pitch and his forces, this war will be over before anyone can do anything about it." Proteus pointed out.
"We are very much aware of the stakes, Prince Proteus, but perhaps the concerns of magic should be left to those best equipped for it. No one is more knowledgeable about the Moon than Prof. Tsar Lunar." King Frederic responded coolly from his seat just in front of the standing Rapunzel.
"You forget yourself, your Majesty." Proteus said sharply. "Syracuse may not produce as many Witches and Wizards as the other Kingdoms, but our Navy is one of the greatest in the world and is currently the best defense we have against Pitch's forces on the coast!"
"Oh, aye, I'm sure you in Syracuse know a whole lot more about ocean battles than us Island dwellers, eh?" Spitelout growled from his position at Chief Stoick's side, acting as his second.
"I think you forget yourself as well, boy. Remember that it's Scottish ships that have been guarding your cargo runs." King Fergus put in as well.
"I believe what Prince Proteus is trying to say, is that Syracuse has offered just as much to this war effort as any other Kingdom, perhaps more considering our aforementioned lack of magical individuals." Senator Marina stepped in, cutting off Proteus before he could speak again. "We have a say in this council as much as anyone else, and, quite frankly speaking, leaving magic to the magic users is exactly what led us to the position we are in now. I think it natural to be concerned."
Talia turned her back to the dais, not wanting anyone to notice her glancing up at the Royals. She started refilling goblets at a table with the Voltron Wizards from Altea. She couldn't help but tune into a bit of their conversation as well.
"All this bickering isn't going to help anyone." Shiro sighed, taking a drink from his refilled cup.
"It's been weeks now. How long is it going to take them to get used to working together?" Keith wanted to know.
"I know. They're too busy fighting each other to really help anyone." Lance agreed.
"That's real funny coming from you two." Pidge piped up with a smirk.
"Hey!" Lance argued, but Shiro cut in.
"Pidge is right. Politics is a messy game. We should leave it to Allura and Coran and just do our best to complete any quests we're given." He told them. Pidge stuck her tongue out at Lance who crossed his arms and pouted while Keith gave a little half-smile.
Talia reached between the Blue and Yellow paladins to get another goblet, but hesitated as she was filling it when Hunk kept staring at her with furrowed eyebrows.
"Oh, I'm sorry, was there something you needed?" Talia asked, trying to keep her expression pleasant as her shoulders tensed.
"Oh! No, I'm sorry! It's just... You look really familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?" Hunk asked, tilting his head to the side. Talia was highly aware that the attention of the entire table was now directed at her.
"I couldn't imagine where! I'm just a small town Witch! Nothing special here! I've been working in the kitchens these past few weeks to help pay for my tuition though, so maybe that's it!" Talia offered with a smile and a wave of her hand after setting down his goblet again.
"Yeah, maybe..." Hunk uttered, though he didn't seem entirely convinced. Lance was looking over mischievously, but Talia decided to make her escape to another table before anyone could say any more.
She'd have to be more careful around the Yellow Paladin.
As she continues filling cups, offering extra napkins, and such, Talia tunes in and out of the political garble at the front of the Hall, storing away useful information when she could and ignoring the fair amount of bickering that came with each new topic. Toward the end of dinner, there was finally a topic that really peaked her interest.
"...And what of these rumors of a Dragon Rider?" Princess Allura of Altea brought up the point.
A heavy unease fell over the entire hall as hushed whispers passed from lips to ears. Lines marred the expressions of the Royals as they glanced around at each other, each of them waiting for someone else to speak first. Finally, it was Chief Stoick who cleared his throat and rose from his seat.
"No word or sightings have been reported to any of the tribes. The Northern skies are completely clear of this so called Dragon Rider." His deep voice rumbled with a growl, his thick brows creased downward. He spoke the words as if they were poison.
"Can we not be honest about the possible threat looming over us all?" Chief Tui spoke abruptly, breaking the tense silence.
"We should not speak of things that will incite panic." King Frederick warned quietly.
"I think it rather pointless to avoid a serious concern we are all acutely aware of." Princess Allura replied a bit sharply.
"It isn't him." Stoick said simply.
"And how can you be so sure?" Prince Lars of the Southern Isles questioned.
"You would all do well to remember that the Archipelago was struck by the worst of Drago Bludvist." His naturally booming voice carried through the hall. "I know his mark too well. If there even is a Dragon Rider out there, he hasn't left near enough carnage to be Him."
"Perhaps we should consider the possibility that this mystery Dragon Person isn't a threat. Or at the very least, that he could potentially be an ally to us." Queen Elsa spoke for the first time all night, and everyone turned to look at her as if she'd just sprouted a second head.
"Have ye gone mad, girl?!" King Fergus was the first to burst, followed by an outburst of many outraged voices all speaking at once.
Elsa waited until everyone slowed a bit before lifting her chin even higher and raising her voice, oozing strength and determination from her stance alone. "It is my understanding that, as Chief Stoick so kindly pointed out," Elsa motioned to the only Royal who hadn't spoken against her, though his face was hard and unreadable. "That this man, if he exists, hasn't left a single mark of himself. To the point that we are standing here questioning his existence. And yet everyone here has assumed that he is a dangerous threat to all of us. Perhaps we should take a moment to consider that having an ally with such a powerful skill as controlling dragons could potentially save thousands. We should consider that if past enemies were to return at some point, we currently have no effective way of defending ourselves."
"You are suggesting a dangerous and deadly path!" The Duke of Weselton exclaimed from his table below the dais.
"I must agree. Any magics having to do with dragons have proven to be devastating. We must assume this being has broken the laws and drank dragons blood." Queen Elinor spoke quietly and gravely.
"It was not long ago that many said the same about me." Elsa returned sharply. "A power I didn't know and could not control, and I was nearly destroyed due to fearmongering and accusations of cursing my own kingdom. I am simply asking we not make this mistake again!"
The rebuked silence gave way to softer murmurs. Talia found herself impressed by the young queen; how she held herself before them, and how some of the overheard murmurs were at least partially in agreement with her. She also highlighted the Ice Queen's name in her mind, knowing she may be able to find an ally in her one day if she played her cards right.
"An idealist sentiment. I commend you for your kindness, your Majesty, but I fear your youth and naivete is preventing you from seeing the dangers lurking in the shadows." The Prime Minister's low, monotone voice drifted out from the back of the dais, at the top of the half circle. He slowly walked forward, turning to look at all of them. "But it is my duty to inform you all that several ministry ships have already been sunk by precise ambushes. The markings are unmistakable." The silence was dark and deafening. "I have taken it upon myself to address the very issue Queen Elsa was very wise to acknowledge," Frollo complimented with a smile. "Unfortunately we have no strength to combat the terrifying forces that these theoretical dragon armies pose, but I believe we have experienced warriors in our Tribal Allies led by the Great Stoick the Vast and I have recently acquired the allegiance of another Tribe hailing from the north whom specialize in the hunting of dragons."
"Another tribe? How come we've never heard of these 'Dragon Hunters'?" Spitelout put in from his spot standing beside Stoick's thrown, opposite of Gobber.
"They come from beyond the fog barriers of the Archipelago. They explore the far tundras and the eastern tropics." Frollo spoke vaguely, but was already turned away and gesturing to the large doors of the Hall as they slowly creaked open.
Talia's breath caught in her chest as she watched the Dragon Hunters march into the Hall. There were at least a dozen men, all armed. The rolled in a cage at the back of their group, displaying a rarer breed of dragon that Talia sort of remembered seeing at some point over a very hectic summer. But her concerns were more fixated on the man at the very front of the group; smaller than one would expect but in no way scrawny and half of his face marred by scars.
Viggo Grimborn.
Talia stepped back and away from any of the tables, falling into the shadows on the edges of the Hall for some kind of cover. Whispers of shock were fluttering all around, but Viggo paid them no mind as he stood at the foot of the dais, hands clasped loosely behind his back as he looked up at the Royals and Prime Minister.
"May I introduce to the Royal Alliance, Viggo Grimborn! Leader of the Dragon Hunter Clans." The Prime Minister extended his arm grandly before the group as the Royals laid their eyes on them.
"Your Majesties, it is an honor to finally make your acquaintance." Viggo smiled easily, dipping into a deep bow before righting himself again.
Talia's heart was pounding inside her ears, and she racked her brain, trying to think of a way out of the Hall should things get complicated quickly. Though no one had any reason to notice her yet, so she held onto the hope that maybe she could sneak away without anyone being the wiser.
"I would like to begin by saying I am humbled and eager to offer my services to you as a new ally. As a show of our experience in dealing with dragons, my men and I have brought along several of our rarest breeds to showcase to you." Viggo stepped a bit back and to the side, sweeping his arm towards the cage that was now at the center of the room. The blue dragon inside seemed to shrink as all eyes turned toward it, and Talia's heart clenched a little at the sight.
"Is that a Dramillion?!" Gobber exclaimed. "Thought those had been hunted to extinction a long time ago."
"It is true that few still remain, but if one knows where to look you would be amazed at what they can find." Viggo said pleasantly. "This one is still quite young."
"Of course. A full grown Dramillion is as lethal as a Monstrous Nightmare. Some say more so." Gobber continued thoughtfully, sharing a side glance with Stoick, though the Chief did not return it.
"As you can see, Mr. Grimborn and his men are quite skilled in the art of hunting dragons, and have graciously agreed to form an alliance with the Ministry of Magic. I have already contracted them under the Ministry to work alongside our forces both as warriors and, in the case of Mr. Grimborn, as a strategic advisor." The Prime Minister explained to the Royal Council. Turning back to Viggo and extending his arm towards an empty table just off to the side from where they stood. "Please, take a seat. I've had a place prepared for you and your men. Serving Girl!"
Talia stiffened, her fist clenching around the handle of the pitcher she held as Frollo's eyes locked onto her. It wasn't until that moment that Talia realized her thoughts had distracted her so much that the other servants had already left to the Kitchens to refill pitchers and trays or to simply have a rest, leaving her as the only one who remained.
"If you would so kindly provide refreshments for our guests." The Prime Minister said. His tone told her she didn't have a choice. He turned to go back to his seat on the dais among the Royals, who were already turned back towards each other and murmuring. Viggo and his men walked to the table they'd been directed to and sat down.
Talia swallowed thickly, her feet as heavy like stones. She forced herself forward to the table, keeping her eyes fixed anywhere but at Viggo's face as she went about filling the goblets. She heard a few indiscernible mutters from his men, but tried her best to not think about what they were saying or why their looking at her made her skin crawl. When she'd finally reached for the last goblet on the table, she found herself standing directly beside Viggo and her heart was pounding in her ears even louder than before.
She reached for the goblet, and her hand collided with his. She snatched her hand back to her, finally looking up and accidentally locking eyes with the man himself. Viggo smiled politely back, reaching for the goblet and holding it out to her.
"No need to be nervous, my dear. My dragons, and my men, won't cause you any harm." He said smoothly.
"Of... Of course." Talia pushed the words out of her throat, barely more than a whisper. She suddenly remembered the goblet, looking down at it and then back up at Viggo before hurrying about with her pitcher.
Once the goblet was filled, Viggo nodded his thanks and Talia rushed away, making for the servants stares on the other side of the Hall. She pushed through the small door and raced down the narrow stairwell until she was safely at the bottom of it, just outside the kitchen. She pressed her back against the wall, trying to slow her breathing with her hands holding tight to the near-empty silver pitcher.
Late that night, long after the evenings feast and council meeting, Talia tiptoed out of Gryffindor tower without too much trouble. Ruffnut and Tuffnut had been cackling quietly together with their heads bent over some parchment in the common area, but they didn't even seem to notice her as she slipped away.
For all the warriors and soldiers and Royal security that now occupied Hogwarts, the security was still left something to be desired. Or maybe not, Talia smirked as she easily crept her way through the corridors and outside where the cool night air greeted her.
The trip down to the docks was relatively easy and very quiet, allowing her time to breath a relax a little, though she kept glancing over her shoulder every few minutes. Upon reaching a small gang-plank nestled in between two larger vessels, Talia looked around to make sure all was clear and then boarded the ship.
As soon as her boots hit the deck of the ship, the silver of a blade glinted in the moonlight before her eyes, held to her throat by a looming figure just behind her.
"Password." Came the gruff command.
"Avast! Let there be wind in your cannons and fire in your sails." Talia responded evenly. Instantly the knife disappeared and she turned to find Tiny. He smiled and then nodded his head silently towards the Captain's quarters. Talia nodded back and made her way to the door, tapping out the proper tune before letting herself inside.
She took a deep breath as she stepped into the room. The smell of dusty parchment and old lamp oil tickled her nose. The quarters were small and a little cramped, but it was also warm. Tension seemed to melt off of her shoulders, leaving her to sag back against the door she'd just closed as her eyes slipped shut. She sighed deeply.
"Rough day?"
"Mmmm." She mumbled in the affirmative but didn't look up for another minute or two. When she finally did, she found Eret standing by the basin, using a towel to wipe off the last of the face paints that covered his tattoos. Once he finished, he put down the towel and held his arms open. Talia lazily pushed herself up off of the door and trudged over, appreciating the extra warmth of his hug as he wrapped her up in his much larger arms.
"Thanks." She murmured, her forehead plopped on his shoulder.
"Don't mention it." Eret patted her back and then held her at arms length. "So, what's our Royal friends up to now?" He asked, turning to go to his cabinet behind the desk and pulling out a bottle of rum and two glasses.
"The Prime Minister has contracted Viggo Grimborn and his Dragon Hunters under the Ministry of Magic." Talia stated bluntly, dropping into the chair in front of Eret's desk.
Eret stopped and swung around to look at her, his brow narrowing and his tone serious. "Did he recognize you?"
"No. I was worried he would, but I've been thinking about it all night and I can't remember a single time when we actually met face to face... At least, not without my helmet covering my face. He gave no indication, anyway. Spoke to me like I was any other stumbling serving girl." Talia shared.
"That's the best we can hope for, then. I'll let the men know to be careful and to avoid the Hunters as much as possible." Eret said, picking the glasses back up with a clink and setting them on the desk before pouring two shots.
Eret slid one of the glasses over to her, and she reached out to steady it as Sharpshot climbed up onto her shoulder. She gave his chin a gentle scratch, earning herself a gentle rumble of approval before the tiny dragon settled across her shoulders for a nap. Talia took some time to recount the more interesting pieces of conversation among the Royal Council, but there wasn't much beyond the ordinary aside from Viggo's introduction.
"What about you?" Talia finally looked over to Eret for his report, taking a sip from her glass. "Any news from our dear friend up north?"
"All is quiet, for the most part. The ice is holding, though it won't last forever." Eret offered, his tone soft and grave. "Other than that they haven't seen much trouble. The war hasn't made it up that far north."
"Good. No news is good news. We'll keep laying low for now, wait and see what happens with the Hunters." Talia ordered, putting her glass back on the desk with a clink.
"I'll make sure the men know." Eret nodded before taking a gulp that emptied his glass and then fixed her with his dark eyes. "Now, why don't you tell me what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." She says easily with a shake of her head, almost ignoring the question.
"Don't play that game, lass." Eret smirks, leaning forward and raising his eyebrows at her. "What do you need, Talia?"
Talia sighed heavily, rolling her head along the back of her chair to look at Eret. After a moment of eye contact with him, she pushed herself to sit up straight and take her glass again. Eret grabbed the bottle and topped off hers before refilling his own.
"All I need is a little space to breathe." Talia told him.
"I'll drink to that." Eret agreed, picking up his own glass.
They both raised their glasses and clinked them together.