Reviews:
Guest: Yeah, the final preparations are underway and the final battle is inbound. Happy Holidays to you too.
Guest: Thank you, glad you enjoyed.
Tero7323: Yeah, ever since the now infamous "lost chapter" of Berserk I've wondered if what was down there would actually be canon or not since the behelits have to come from somewhere as well as how the Godhand draw their power. Having the armor slowly destroy Guts is just one of the most tragic thing about the series for me since no matter if he wins the battle or not, he's using up part of his own life to do so.
Necrogod: Not a problem, I hope you enjoy.
Greer123: Thanks for the wishes, the holiday was great and I hope you enjoy the newest chapter.
OBSERVER01: Thanks! I appreciate it and the feedback.
Quatermass: Listened to the cover, really good. And We PMed a bit before about the ages and this is set roughly a few months before Charlotte turns 20 as that is her official age in the guidebook.
erica phoenix 16: Not a problem. I hope you enjoy.
Roxas902: Glad that you're enjoying the story so far and thanks for pointing out that mistake, it is a bit of a habit on my end to add the period, but I'll keep an eye out to avoid making the mistake again. Hope you continue to enjoy the story.
Disclaimer- Harry Potter is owned by J.K. Rowling and Berserk is owned by Kentaro Miura. I own nothing.
"A month," Harry heard Guts grumble to himself later that day.
"Don't sound so grouchy, this was your idea to begin with," Casca had told him.
"Yeah, I know it was," Guts agreed. "It's just ridiculous is all."
"It was my money that paid for it," Harry pointed out.
For the right price, the goblins were agreeable to making a custom suit of armor for Casca. They did charge a hefty price that took a sizable chunk out of his trust vault, but if they were as good as they claimed to be at smithing, it would have been a price well paid. And besides the price in gold that had to be paid, there was another toll; time.
It would take at least a month for the armor to be fully completed. And that was with the best goblin smiths working on it as well.
Guts was none too happy about that fact as they were already on a limited time as it was. According to that talk they had with Luna, the wedding would be taking place at the beginning of what would be August in this world. Already, the season here was transitioning from the balanced weather of spring to a more sunny and warm temperate. That left them three, maybe four months at the maximum to not only return to Midland but also come up with a way of stopping the Neo-Griffith and his army of apostles.
Taking an entire month, while beneficial, still consumed a great deal of time.
But, even still, that month of waiting would be spent on managing the time they had wisely. The trip they had taken did come with some benefits as well.
There had been a variety of spellbooks that were unique to this world only that Schierke had been studying over. It seemed to help understand the main difference between how each side was able to use magic. The mages here didn't seem to have a solid understanding of od and its full potential, hence why the spells here took far less time to cast without the use of spirits but consumed more od in the process. That wasn't to say that there weren't spells that were quick to cast with some understanding as Flora had shown them such as the basic elementals. Perhaps it had even been something she had learned from Merlin.
And speaking of Merlin, there had been quite a number of different texts concerning him and his history.
Much like how films and television often showed, he did indeed seem to be a good friend of the once King of Camelot, Arthur. The story was a bit different in varying books; some claimed that Merlin was a young man when he met King Arthur, others said that he was already an old and wise wizard when they first met while another claimed he was actually young and was just using a glamor to disguise his appearance.
But aside from that, it also seemed to be a common agreement that there was some initial hostility when they first met. And much like his appearance, different sources gave different explanations as to why. They varied from Arthur having a distrust for magic due to his upbringing with his father and others say it was nothing more than a simple misunderstanding.
Most of his personal information such as his varying aliases, deeds, and other accomplishments seemed to be more common knowledge. It was common knowledge that Merlin had a staff that he won from a sorceress named Morgana and the full extent of it was known only by what Merlin himself wrote down in his own research which was later publically distributed.
The staff was said to collectively store magic from each previous holder, making it effectively more powerful with every new wielder. Due to this, spells that were either previously unknown by the wielder could almost seem like second nature or their hand was being guided by a different castor. Because of this, using the staff could be especially draining the first initial times around.
Isn't that the truth, Harry thought of the first time he had used it back at the Spirit Tree shortly after Guts gained the Berserker Armor. He had felt completely drained but more powerful than ever at the same time.
The books offered a few rough sketches of what the staff would look like, but that was really it. Since it had been with Flora the entire time, many mages here regarded it as a relic that had been lost to the ages.
That was, of course, before Harry received it.
And as fascinating as that was, he did know some of it already from what both Schierke and Flora had told him previously. What really held his and Schierke's attention was what Merlin had shared with his knowledge of the astral layers.
Schierke had been a bit miffed that she had found the book under the "theoretical" section in the bookshop as it was anything but. Nevertheless, any information available to them on what may lie deeper would be helpful.
Much of what was written in there were things Flora had taught the both of them with there being three main layers; the deepest is the Abyss, the middle being more mundane but highly susceptible to supernatural influence from the other two and it was where Midland resided. The last was the highest layer with the most magical energy, the Ideal World, a blend of mundane and magical and the one they were in now.
But for all three worlds, they remained connected through the World Tree, a symbolic representation of the astral layers themselves. And based on what they knew, Neo-Griffith had found a way to manifest a corporeal version of the World Tree near his city. All he needed to do now was to make the sacrifice to fully merge the worlds together into one.
It also seemed to confirm Harry's own suspicion. There was indeed something at the very bottom of the Abyss. Whatever it was, not even Merlin seemed to have a solid idea.
With additional money from Harry's trust vault, they had purchased the books as well as one on magical runes. Nearly everyone in their party had a magical item be it a weapon or piece of attire. Farnese had figured someone like the stout Sir. Azan, a perk or two to his ax would be a welcome addition.
Aside from the books, Farnese had made good of her stop to the apothecary. There she had been able to purchase the rest of the materials needed to complete her staff.
A few fire salamander scales and a green clover, the symbol of the Vandimion family.
She did seem a bit tempted at the idea that there was an entire shop where a wand could be purchased in a matter of minutes, but both Schierke and Harry told her a handmade staff was far better for connecting to the astral world. And it did save Harry some money as well.
But where he had saved money in place of a wand, he seemed to have lost a far greater amount in Schierke's new love; frozen treats.
She had spotted the ice cream parlor and had been naturally curious as to what it tasted like and seeing as that his gold was paying for everything, it had been his treat to her. It was also his mistake.
Schierke had taken to it a little too well before settling on green mint as her favorite flavor. But never having had the frozen treat before, she had no idea what brain freeze was.
"You know, for once I'm glad I didn't try any of that stuff," Isidro told Puck as he watched Schierke rub at her head.
"Uggh," Schierke rubbed at her temples. "Why'd you let me have that stuff?" she sent an accusing glare over toward Harry.
"Me?" Harry asked. "You're the one who wanted to try it."
"Why didn't you warn me about this?" she continued rubbing at her head.
"I didn't know you were going to take it so far. Besides, I never really had it when it was cold."
"Ugh! I think I'm just going to go to my cabin and lie down for a bit." She disappeared under the ship deck with Ivalera fluttering behind her and giving her warnings of the dangers of overindulging.
Going back to his own cabin seemed a tempting idea to Harry as well and not to just ponder over any of the books they had acquired with his gold. For as much good as the trip to Gringotts had been, there was a noticeable downside.
Whereas before Harry had barely seen the elder Vandimion sibling, Magnifico, it seemed like now he couldn't take two steps without being ambushed by the blonde man.
It was no secret that Magnifico was an opportunist looking for ways to move up in his family status and when he had learned on the trip that Harry had a sizable fortune not just in his trust vault, but a whole main one as well, he seemed to have appointed himself as Harry's personal financial advisor. Apparently, he had figured out what the exchange rate would be from gold galleons to the Midland currency and... well it was a lot. And to be perfectly honest, it was annoying.
The day following the trip had Magnifico practically stalking him wherever he went.
"You are currently fourteen, correct?" Magnifico had asked him.
"Only for a few more months," Harry did his best to sound as disinterested as possible.
"Hm. Yes, yes." Magnifico nodded. "Then, by all means, you're already a legal adult by Midland standards. You'd be able to claim all family inheritances in a few months time then, take up your head of house titles."
"I'm pretty sure the legal age here is seventeen," Harry tried to argue against his points and get him to shut up.
"What a drag that is," Magnifico rolled his eyes. "Bit pointless if you ask me."
I wasn't.
"Fifteen is a prime age. Many Midland boys are of a marrying age by that time, and girls as well."
Harry found it very difficult not to roll his eyes at that at what Magnifico was implying. "Your only sister is already engaged to your best friend. In case you forgot."
"Oh, Farnese? Oh, no! I simply meant down the line. With someone with a fortune like yours, it would be a waste to not have it pass along. With that, you'd need help managing certain riches and other various assets. You are good friends with my sister so I see no reason not to have a prestigious banking family ally itself one such as yourself."
"I'd rather focus on staying alive at the moment that worrying about money if its all the same to you." Any surviving noble families had probably already pledged their loyalty to Neo-Griffith anyway; maybe even the rest of the Vandimion's. If that were the case, Magnifico's offer was worthless at the moment.
Strangely, Magnifico did not seem put off by his answer. "Of course, we all want to live after all. That is what we are planning out, is it not. And in the best case scenario, we should also consider what comes after. That includes foundation reconstruction and-,"
By that point, Harry had discreetly cast an od distortion charm on Magnifico, making him falter slightly as he believed Harry to still be standing there when in reality he slipped away below deck and to his own cabin.
Once there, Harry put another od manipulation charm around the outside of the door that would alert him of the person's od signature. Closing the door, Harry sat down on the cot that was allotted to him. He sighed as he ran a hand through his already messy black hair. As annoying as Magnifico had been, he hadn't been entirely wrong. Not that Harry would ever tell him that; the elder Vandimion's ego was large enough as it was.
It wasn't the gold that Harry thought of, but what Magnifico had said about what would have to be done after, assuming they all lived to see it.
Neo-Griffith essentially had control of all nations from that city of his, he had only to marry to make it official. Despite being an evil bastard, the entire of humanity had been united under his banner. Killing him, would they split and divide into warring countries once again similar to the fall of Gaiseric's Empire? Maybe they would continue to all live in Falconia where they were safe from monster attacks, assuming the city didn't crumble along with its creator.
They still had to wait at least a month for the armor to be completed before they could actually attempt to make their way back to Midland, so there was still time to try and finalize a plan.
A whole month.
Would that mean they could expect another visit from that mysterious boy? He always seemed to show up during the full moon so he doubted that this time would be any different.
Harry opened the drawer of the stand next to his cot. The invisibility cloak was folded neatly there and three figurines rested on top. Two were of the plastic white and black knights Sirius had gotten from his old room under the stairs that he used in that ritual of his. The lance was still broken on the black one. The third was a wooden knight figure that the boy had during his last visit. Guts had given it to him for safekeeping even though Harry was stumped by it as well.
Just another in a long list of things that they didn't understand.
There came a knock on his door and he thought it was Magnifico until the feeling of a calmer and familiar od washed over him. He opened the door for the green-haired witch.
"How're you feeling?" Harry asked.
"Better," Schierke answered. "But I don't think I'll be having any more sweets for some time now. Can I come in?"
Harry allowed her entry and she sat down at the desk, lightly rubbing her head. She still seemed to be getting over her massive brain freeze. "So aside from an ice cream headache, what's on your mind?"
"Nothing really," Schierke admitted which seemed unusual to Harry. Schierke always had a reason for doing something. "But if I needed a reason, it would be to ask what the plan is exactly."
"Oh." She had been thinking about it too then. "I take it that just showing up to Falconia, kill a bunch of apostles before taking on Griffith isn't much of an acceptable plan."
"It'd be one I'd expect from Isidro, even if it was just the general gist of things." She seemed to find the idea amusing. "There's just a lot to work out in the in-between."
"No argument there. Between actually returning, infiltrating the city, stopping a wedding, battling a demon army, and killing a godly being, there was quite a lot to work out. Skull Knight always seems to know when he's needed and he's our best chance of getting back."
"You left out that Voldemort character," Schierke noticed. "Evidence back at the manor shows that he's probably there as well."
"Oh, yeah." He frowned slightly at that additional prospect as well. He knew that the dark wizard had been gunning for him during the previous battle and given the opportunity, he would likely do so again should they ever encounter in a fight. And if Guts was too caught up in fighting numerous apostles, it would fall to him.
The only real sorcerer Harry had ever really faced had been the Kushan named Daiba, but he had a feeling fighting Voldemort would be a much different feeling. He was confident that he could win with all he knew of magic and the astral world, but that didn't Voldemort wouldn't try his damnest to see him dead by the end of it.
Schierke noticed his lackluster answer. "You hardly seem concerned."
"No, I'm not saying fighting him would be easy," Harry clarified. "It's just - hard."
"Hard how?"
"Well, knowing that there are five divine beings with god-like powers, one aspiring dark lord doesn't seem as threatening, I guess." That statement would no doubt infuriate Voldemort if he heard Harry say that.
"Hm." Schierke mulled that thought over. "Well, you do have a point when you phrase it like that. The Godhand, they're able to draw vast amounts of power from the Abyss itself and-," she stopped, her large eyes going wide in what seemed to be realization.
"Schierke?" Harry asked in concern. "What is it?"
"Could that really be... if that's where their power comes from then it might be..." She seemed to be theorizing to herself.
Harry put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a light shake. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"I just," she shook her head. "I feel like I've been stupid."
"Stupid? You? Those are two things that don't really go together." What was she even talking about?
Despite her self-doubt, Schierke did manage to smile, if only slightly at that. "I admire the flattery, but now really isn't the time." Her smile faltered again. "What I mean is, that the Godhand, essentially are gods - or, the embodiment of a god."
Harry remembered back to the times he had heard one of demonic five speak. They were the Hand of God. "Yeah, that doesn't make you stupid."
She again shook her head. "That still isn't it. If they have the power of a god, then it won't matter what we use against them. Guts' Dragonslayer, Casca's armor, our magic, nothing."
It was baffling to hear Schierke say something like that. She was always down to earth and tried to keep herself the most rational out of everyone, but she was never a pessimist. She was making it sound like there was no hope at all for them to come out on top with this. After all they had been through, he never thought to hear her say something like that. Sans Guts, she was perhaps the strongest willed out of their entire company.
Seeing the way he was looking at her in disbelief, Schierke was quick to amend, "What I mean to say is, their power is infinite. Any damage done to them, they'll recover in no time at all. Time may not even be a concept to some of them because it isn't to where they draw their power from."
"The Abyss," Harry thought of the deepest of the astral layers.
"Exactly!" Schierke urged him on. "Don't you see? As long as the Abyss has a connection to the upper levels, they have power there. If the World Tree has manifested in the middle layer, the Godhand might have unknowingly made a double-edged sword."
"Wouldn't it just make them stronger? I don't see where you're going with this."
"Mistress Flora always said that everything was connected through the branches of the World Tree, remember?" Harry nodded, remembering the lessons. "That also includes the Abyss. They might not know it, but by bringing the tree into physical form, they just created a way to potentially cut off connection as well as create it. A double-edged sword."
"Travel into the Abyss?" that was what she was inferring to. "I also seem to remember Flora telling me once that other wizards in the past have tried to astral project there before and none ever returned. They were just lifeless husks afterward. Whatever it is that's down there, what makes us trying to go there any different?"
"Because we know where the actual World Tree is," Schierke sounded certain. "There are bound to be pathways to even the lowest of levels and then there's the timing of it all. They want the worlds to merge, they want whatever is in the Abyss to be able to have free reign; that's bound to open up a pathway. Don't you agree?"
It all sounded completely crazy, not that he would ever tell her that, but she did have a point to what she was saying. Knowing Guts, he would want a way to kill the Godhand and this seemed the only solution. If they didn't have one, Guts could very well end up dying trying to kill Femto. And that wouldn't be the worst of it. If they had no way to kill the Godhand, it meant death for all of them. He would die, Isidro and Puck would die, Serpico and Sir Azan, Roderick and Magnifico would die as well; Schierke, Farnese, and Casca, well, Harry remembered what had happened during the Eclipse. In the best scenario, an apostle like Zodd got to the girls and would recognize their strong determination and leave them unspoiled with a clean death.
He found himself clutching his unruly black hair at that very thought. Harry didn't want to think of any of his friends being killed or violated. There was enough of that, enough people had already suffered to evil deeds, feeding the Godhand's power with each act committed. Here he was with Schierke trying to figure out a way to avoid all of that, to actually make some good happen for once. It was just... just...
"I don't want to lose you," Harry finally said. "Not you, Guts, Casca, anyone." It hardly seemed the answer she was expecting from him and she seemed like she wanted to say something, but held herself back, understanding that he needed to say this.
"I'm not like Guts where I can just shut people out completely," he continued. "But, I haven't been entirely open either. I want to change something, I've said as much before. When I first met Guts and Casca and everyone else, it was like I finally found a place I belonged even though I was useless through it all. After the Eclipse happened, I already knew I had magic and I just had to hope that someone out there had it too. With you and Flora, I felt I belonged there too. That changed too and I still couldn't do a thing. Now, this feels like it's happening all over again the same as those.
"I think maybe, the reason I never became as angry and shut off as Guts did was that some part of me always knew that I would find someone or someones out there where I could belong again. I... feel that same feeling with all of you now, more than I ever did previously. That's why no matter what plan we come up with, no matter what we do, I just want to be selfish enough to have all of you there by the end of it even though... even though I have a feeling that isn't going to be a reality."
The thought that had been plaguing his mind was finally out. He had been feeling it ever since they had last seen Skull Knight and he had kept it to himself, never wanting to say it out loud. There was power in belief and by saying it, confessing it to someone, he didn't want to feel like the only difference he had made was the death of someone he valued.
His eyes were directed at the floor and he only noticed Schierke had moved from her seat by the desk when he felt a slight shift on his cot. Schierke sat beside him, looking down at the same piece of flooring he seemed to have found interesting.
"Harry, I... there's really nothing that I can say or do to get you to think differently. Whenever I look at our friends now, knowing that we'll be going back, I can't help but feel a little of the same. I don't want any of them to die and I'm not naive enough to make you some promise such as 'I swear not to die.' I wish that I could, but I would want you to know that in the short time I've spent with all of you, I really felt lucky to have met you all."
Harry looked to his right and brought an arm up to her shoulder. "And... I guess that makes two of us."
Whatever plan they were going to come up with could wait. For now, Harry was entirely focused on the silence that was between them; thankful that he would at least remember this moment before it all ended.
"You have been taking the potions I brewed periodically?" Severus asked him yet again as he examined his now cursed hand - or rather, his cursed arm.
The curse Voldemort had hit him with had spread fast and even with Severus' knowledge of the dark arts, only so much could be done for him at this point. But for what good he was still capable of, he would not expire before he had set right some of his previous wrongs.
"Indeed I have, and I thank you for the effort, Severus." His voice sounded frail, even to him. This had nothing to do with the curse, he was simply just getting older.
The sneer on Severus' face was not an unfriendly one. "Thanks are not something that can magically cure a cursed appendage. Or, rather, heal it, in your case."
"Oh, Severus, you flatter me." Dumbledore offered one of his infamous twinkles.
"And what do you have to be flatter for?" the potions master demanded of him. "Do you like me brewing potions that only prolong your suffering? If you do, I'd be more concerned about the state of your mental well-being. Perhaps dipping your head in your pensieve, from what I've heard that seems to do wonders."
"No." Dumbledore simply said. "I am just flattered that to see that you care so much."
"You were the one who asked I brew these potions for you," Severus denied the compliment.
"You did not have to agree to it."
"I did if I still desire to maintain my position."
"Ah, so do you finally admit to enjoying teaching students?"
"Only those that show promise," came Severus' monotone reply.
"And to docking points from a few Gryffindors?" Dumbledore brought up the man's hatred for the house of lions.
Severus did not seem bothered. "There is a satisfaction to be had in ending arrogance before it can begin to take hold."
"You still hold a grudge, even after all this time?" no single person was perfect, they all had flaws, but Severus had a vindictive streak a mile long.
"You have discussed this with me before, Headmaster, Potter is not his father, no matter how similar that they appear. Which is a great amount." He muttered that last part.
"This is bigger than just your grudge with James Potter."
"Nothing was ever bigger than James Potter," Severus bitterly remarked. He truly was a child sometimes.
"That is exactly what I mean, Severus. Do you not feel there is already enough of that in this world? Do you want future Slytherin's sharing in your same sentiment?"
"I may be their head of house, but their opinions are their own," Severus narrowed his gaze. "If it pleases you to know, one of my Slytherin's seems to have actually befriended the Longbottom boy."
"Ah, Neville, such a nice boy."
"Clumsy as a baffoon," Severus felt the need to add on.
"Full of potential," Dumbledore added.
"If he isn't acting like a complete dunderhead," Severus spoke again.
"Come now, Severus, must you be that way?"
"I speak from what I know to be true."
"Be that as it may, it is the students who will be the ones to truly keep the spirit of Hogwarts alive when I have passed and you have moved on."
Severus raised a greasy eyebrow. "Meaning?"
"You're smarter than that, Severus, what do you think I mean by it? You said yourself but a moment earlier, I can really only be healed, not cured." Upon his words, Dumbledore felt a jolt of pain run from his hand and to his shoulder. He could feel nothing in his right hand now except for pain. Potions could numb it, suppress it, but not cure it.
"There is more than one reason why I called you up here, and my daily dosage is not among them."
"And that is to have me reflect?" he asked almost sarcastically.
"Only in part. I just wish to correct a few wrongs before I pass and if I could perhaps help a man as stubborn as you to let go, I would consider my job as a teacher complete. It has already been close to three weeks and the curse has already grown at an exponential rate. It won't be long before it reaches my heart. So, Severus, would you care to do me two last favors?"
"And what would they be?" while Severus' tone did sound neutral, there was just a trace of bitter sadness to be found. As much as Severus hated teaching, Dumbledore was still the only one who would have ever offered him a chance to turn his life around; even if he still made many mistakes along the way."
"Firstly, I would ask you to save your ingredients and stop brewing potions for me. They run out far too quickly and the pain is far too great. Second," Dumbledore produced a piece of parchment and a quill. "Would you be so kind as to record the last will and testament of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore? Feel at liberty to abbreviate my name, it always was quite the mouthful."
As Severus began to write, Dumbledore cast a glance over to the perch where his ever-loyal phoenix, Fawkes usually resided. The majestic bird was not there, only a pile of ashes remained. If he squinted hard enough, he could see a tiny beak poking out from those ashes; life born anew. And what a beautiful bird he was.
The following weeks were a weather myriad.
Throughout the night and into the morning, dark storm clouds and rain dominated the sky as expected of spring weather. But just past noon, the sky would clear up to reveal the glowing light of the sun, bathing the sky and grounds with soft, warm light. That would last until sundown where the clouds moved back in to take control above once again.
It wasn't as if Guts could feel the warmth of the sun anyways, not all of it anyway. Then again, he couldn't fully feel the chill that came with the night either. They sort of balanced out that way. But there was a consistency for these days in that they all felt like they were blurring together into one. The same pattern repeating over and over as they waited.
Nearly a month had passed since the trip now and Guts could feel a sense of anxiety starting to build up. It wasn't just to do with wanting to move on before he could feel complacent, but he knew that with a new month came a new full moon. He knew what to expect by this point and according to Schierke, a full moon wasn't that far away now. As long as he didn't have to subdue any more werewolves, things should be much smoother this time around.
Well, as smooth as things could get for them.
But as polar as the current weather situation was, there seemed to be a good reason for it. The news came when Sirius came by with news on the Gringotts deal and word what had just happened.
"Dumbledore passed a few hours ago." Sirius usual joyous voice sounded unnaturally solemn.
Guts and all the others said nothing at the moment as Sirius let the gravity of the event sink in. Guts wasn't all too shocked to hear of the headmaster's passing, the man looked to be over a hundred years old, but that didn't mean he was apathetic about it either. His opinion of the old man was strictly positive and he seemed to have done some pretty shady stuff in the past, but when it really mattered, the ancient wizard had stood by their side against dark wizards and his own government. For that, Guts could respect his commitment even though Guts felt he had been a shady bastard in the past.
Then again, Guts had done some things that probably would have put the old timer in his grave thrice over.
But any thoughts he might have had concerning the headmaster's decisions in life, Guts chose to keep silent. He wasn't about to speak ill of the dead like that.
Farnese seemed to find her voice first. "I'm - er, we're sorry to hear that, Sirius, truly."
"I'm sure he would appreciate the sentiment," Sirius told her. "But from what I always understood about Dumbledore, he wouldn't want people to be wallowing about it." He sounded like he said that part to remind himself of something. "He made some decisions I thought were pretty stupid, but... what else would I expect from a man who makes the password to his office after candy?"
Sirius sported a ghost of a smile at his own description of the man.
"He left behind a will." At Sirius' mention of that, Isidro perked right up.
"That old man left us something? Oh, man, I kinda regret throwing a rock at him when we first met!"
"You 'kinda' regret it?" Schierke looked at him, unamused.
For what it was worth, it did seem to amuse Sirius somewhat. "Well, he never explicitly mentioned any of you by name."
Guts noticed Harry seemed confused. "Not even me?"
"Surprisingly," Sirius smiled. "But when he had listed 'travelers from a foreign land,' it wasn't that hard to figure out. He seemed to believe that this," he reached into the bag he had with him, "would be useful at one point."
It was the pensieve. Guts recognized it instantly from their previous usage.
"He thought a way to view our memories was worth giving to us?" Serpico asked, confused as to what the gift could mean.
"Evidently," Sirius gave a haphazard shrug. "Dumbledore could be easy enough for a child to figure out at times and then be completely aloof the next minute. It always seemed a bit hit or miss with him, he was a schemer to be certain." Sirius naturally handed the silver basin over to Harry who accepted it. "The pensieve has a charm on it so nothing can spill out. Makes less of a mess that way."
Harry nodded. "I'll be sure to keep it safe then." He looked unsure, but eventually asked, "Did his will say anything else?"
"Nothing that was too out of the ordinary for someone like Dumbledore. He left me a sizable amount of galleons for my service in the Order and for the years I spent in Azkaban. Pretty much all Order members got some sort of reimbursement for their services and that the money from his own vault should be put forth to Hogwarts for future muggle-borns to be better prepared for magical schooling. Aside from that, he requested to be buried on Hogwarts grounds which isn't really a surprise to anyone. The only other thing he made mention of was his chocolate frog collection being donated to a museum."
Just when Guts was starting to think the old man had a lick of actual sanity to him.
"How're things up at the castle then?" Casca asked him next.
"Dreary," Sirius simply said. "A lot of Gryffindors are torn up the worst, Dumbledore used to be in that house himself. But even those who thought he had lost his touch are still being as respectful as they can be. McGonagall's taken over as acting headmistress until the board of governors can appoint a new one." He paused. "If you're in the mood for some good news, I got a letter from Gringott's. The order is all set, I just have to pick it up and it's all yours. Or, not by goblin standards, but still yours."
Guts gave a silent nod of acknowledgment. So long as they were better prepared, the better. He could feel it again. That sense of anticipation was back, stronger than ever. It was the one thing the armor he wore could never fully strip away from him; the knowing when a battle was about to begin.
Neville had never seen Hogwarts look as glum as it did now.
He could name numerous times where the castle had seemed less appealing such as in first-year when Hermione Granger had been attacked by a troll. Or the year after when the Chamber of Secrets had been opened and students were being petrified which ended in Ginny Weasley being abducted. Those events both came to mind, but even then they only served to make the castle seem less safe and those incidents had all been resolved and set straight by Dumbledore. Any time other than that, Hogwarts was always a time to look forward to, save for some of the bullies.
Even if Neville had never been particularly close to the headmaster, Dumbledore always gave off a feeling of welcomeness to all he encountered. It was almost as if Hogwarts had just lost a piece of itself with his passing.
The teachers were probably already making arrangements for his funeral; a wizard as revered as Dumbledore, it was bound to turn up a crowd. Dumbledore had been quite elderly and probably had various acquaintances all over the world seeing as he spoke multiple languages. The Minister was bound to show up as well to give a speech, his gran might even come as well. She was one of Dumbledore's biggest supporters after all.
She would probably show up in an all black version of her usual attire, handbag and all; maybe even make a fuss about needing a seat closer so she could see the proceedings. It'd be embarrassing, but it would be gran.
For that thought alone, it was enough to make Neville crack the smallest of smiles. He was probably the only one in the entire hall to do so. Students from the three other houses seemed to be in a similar funk, completely drained of all happiness. The Weasley twins and their friend Lee Jordan, the resident jokers, seemed out of ideas for pranks and ate their meal in silence. Over at the Ravenclaw table, even the usual cheery Luna Lovegood seemed a lot less... well, Luna.
The girl in question seemed to notice him staring in her direction. She offered a comforting type of smile, but it was probably to just assume him than anything else. Perhaps he would go and speak with her later. While he wasn't a "friend" with her so to speak like he was with Tracey and even Hannah, Luna had always been kind and they had survived the battle together, that was bound to make a connection with a person.
The rest of the day hardly seemed to be real at all. Classes were canceled for the rest of the day. No teacher really felt like teaching and no student would actually bother to attend if they did, and Neville suspected that would even include a bushy-haired Gryffindor.
He mainly stayed in the Gryffindor common room for the rest of the day with every other Gryffindor. There was some chatter going around, but even then it was just depressing. Fred and George seemed to want to pull something, but even that was done with respect.
"Fireworks," George proposed.
"Red and gold?" Fred asked, liking the idea.
"Nah, more like purple and yellow, like those robes he used to wear."
"Shoot them off from the astronomy tower?"
"You read my mind. Think Lee will hook us up?"
"He better. He owes us for smuggling that tarantula in."
Over on the other side of the common room, many tears were being shed by the resident gossipers, Lavender Brown and Pavarti Patil.
"Do you know that for sure?" Lavender asked her friend.
"Pretty much," Pavarti choked back a sob. "My parents are going to pull my sister and me from Hogwarts."
"There's still time to change their minds," Lavender encouraged. "If they're worried about You-Know-Who, that Black Swordsman fellow is still here with Harry Potter and Gryffindor's lost heir." They were among the population who seemed to believe that that woman was indeed related to Gryffindor as was reported in Rita Skeeter's article.
He had not seen or heard, aside from the widespread rumors, what was going on with their unexpected visitors, but he was still as curious as anyone else in the castle. If given the chance, he would still want to say a proper thanks, unlike the horribly rushed one he had given after the battle concluded. That Black Swordsman had fought with his parents' tormentor and he knew his gran would want him giving a better thanks than the one he had.
When dinner came around, it was still a somber affair. McGonagall gave another small speech about the deceased headmaster. The food was never lacking but many still ate in silence. He spared a couple of glances over to Luna who was only lazily eating some pudding with a side salad.
There was really no formal dismissal for this dinner, students were either there or not. Not feeling all too hungry to begin with, Neville just sort of sat there next to Seamus and Dean, his two dormmates. He only excused himself from the table when he noticed the blonde Ravenclaw get up and leave her table.
Spotting her just outside the great hall, Neville called out to her. "Luna!"
She turned, not looking like she was surprised to see him. "Hello, Neville. What can I do for you?"
"For me? Nothing really." That probably sounded weird, but for someone like Luna, she wouldn't think anything of it. "I just wanted to ask if you were doing alright."
"I noticed you looking over at me during meals so I'm glad that you asked what was on your mind. I like you, Neville, but I don't really fancy you though."
That's what she was thinking it had been? Neville felt the heat rise to his face. "N-no, that isn't it at all! I like you too, but just as a friend. I just noticed that you seemed a lot less yourself is all and I wanted to make sure you were alright."
"Oh, I see." She looked a bit happier. "I'm doing fine for now. I was just going to see if I could go talk to my friend. It's going to be a full moon out tonight."
Neville had noticed Professor Lupin was absent during meals today. Ever since that last unexpected full moon, the professor had mapped out this new lunar calendar and figured out when the next one would be. He supposedly found a safe spot outside of the village and brought a bottle of wolfsbane with him as well.
"Did you want any company?" Neville offered. He had long since guessed that Luna's imaginary friend Sonia was just her way of coping with the hard things in life like bullies and loss.
"That is kind of you to offer, but I was going to go out by the forest to speak with her," Luna nonchalantly told him.
"The forest?!" Neville repeated, his eyes practically bugging out. "Why?"
"It's quite peaceful at night," came her simple reply. "Thank you for being concerned though." It sounded like she was purposefully saying it so he wouldn't follow.
"I-I can't just let you go off into the forest alone!"
"Well you could, but you won't let yourself," Luna corrected. "It isn't in your nature, is it?"
The passing of Dumbledore would be felt all over the magical world and especially at Hogwarts. McGonagall knew her friend and mentor's death would cause ripples in society and the proof of that was in her office right now.
All the heads of the four houses were present as well as the Minister of Magic, his personal toady, and Madam Bones as well. The Ministry delegates had shown up unexpectedly after dinner once word of Dumbledore's passing had spread. And while they were the only three present in her office, McGonagall had seen a few teams of Aurors accompanying them. That and the skin-crawling smile on Umbridge's face could only spell trouble.
While the Minister and Amelia both wore black as a sign of respect, Umbridge wore bright pink attire, only partially covered by a black cardigan.
"Such an unfortunate time for this to happen," Fudge said, his eyes downcast. "Please try to understand that we would not be here if not to offer our condolences."
McGonagall knew that wasn't the only reason, but she kept shut about that for now. Poppy, Filius, and Severus were all perceptive enough to know there was more to it than that. "Of course," she answered back. "I'm sure Albus would have been touched by the thought of you visiting."
Fudge at least had the decency to appear a little flustered. "Well, I suppose he would have. Whatever disagreements we may have had in the past, Dumbledore never was one to hold grudges. I am truly sorry. He offered me advice in a great many cases, even if I didn't always listen." Well, at least he was aware of it. "We received a copy of his will earlier today, courtesy of your potions master. It was rather simple for a man such as him."
"He was never one for lavishments," McGonagall answered. "But he did make sure the school's funding would be well taken care of."
"Hm? Oh, yes, yes, no doubt about that," Fudge agreed. "But, um, there was a point of notice that Dolores made mention of when examining the will." Of course, she would. "Two points, as a matter of fact. The first being that the item Dumbledore wished to leave, the pensieve, was not Dumbledore's to give away. The pensieve was a Hogwarts property, not a personal item. Secondly, there was never a ministry official present to bear witness to the last will and testimony, only Professor Snape."
For once, McGonagall approved of the sneer on her colleagues face.
Amelia, sensing an argument, spoke up. "While that may be true, it is easy to fix. So long as Professor Snape here gives a solemn vow that the will is completely sound, it will be considered legal."
Umbridge didn't seem satisfied with that. "Hem-hem! While that may be true, Amelia," she smiled widely, "The Minister has already pointed out that the pensieve is not Dumbledore's to give away as he pleases."
"You would undermine Dumbledore's last will?" Sprout looked highly offended.
"I would uphold the law," Umbridge thinly smiled.
"If I recall correctly, exceptions to the law have been made before," Flitwick challenged. "Unless you were deliberately planning on legalizing the will, I see no reason as to why an exception cannot be applied here."
By the look of things, Flitwick had already figured out, as expected of the Head of Ravenclaw. The will was nothing extraordinary, but the fact remained he had left a very valuable magical item in the possession of a few certain individuals who had a less than stellar standing with the Ministry. With Dumbledore gone, the primary force at keeping the Ministry away had also faded as well. It explained the Aurors McGonagall had seen as well as the smug smile on the toad's face.
Fudge didn't seem to notice that all the professors had already worked it out. "I assure you, Dumbledore's last wishes shall be honored, but even the matter concerning the pensieve is a bit foggy. He never even left a name for who it was intended."
Umbridge nodded. "Indeed, Minister! But, I do believe we can all come to a conclusion of who Dumbledore intended. Professor Snape," she rounded on the Head of Slytherin. "Dumbledore intended for it to go to Harry Potter, didn't he?"
McGonagall knew it was true, there was little secret about it. It was even less of a secret to know that Severus held an extreme dislike for Harry based solely on his grudge with the boy's father. Saying "yes" would just bring unwanted and unneeded trouble. Her eyes turned to the greasy-haired man who kept an impassive sneer on his face.
"I've really no idea," he answered with a drawl.
That honestly surprised McGonagall. The default Snape answer would have been to sell them out due to his grudge. She didn't believe that Snape had actually come to like the boy from any previous interaction so it must have been something Dumbledore had said to him - a final promise in a way. That, or, he just wanted to see Umbridge get knocked down a peg, either way, McGonagall was grateful.
The Undersecretary's expression faltered for a bit before trying to regain her composure. "But, that is who Dumbledore was referring to, who else could it be?"
"The headmaster left no name," Snape continued. "All he said was foreign visitors. They could be from either of the two schools for all I know. It would have been in his character to have those students remember the time they stayed here as a memento of sorts."
Umbridge's lower lip was trembling as she forced herself to stop from yelling. "Well," she finally spoke in a voice like poisoned honey. "We shall see about that." McGonagall would have given a small smirk at the sight of the toad stomping out of the office if it hadn't been for the feeling that she was about to do something incredibly stupid.
"So, are we just going to wait out here all night?" Neville had finally asked the question that had been on his mind since they got outside the castle.
The part of the forest they were in was near the clearing right next to the lake so it was out of the way from the deeper parts where all the dangerous creatures tended to live. The trees here were less packed together, the canopy above them allowed them a stunning view of the full moon up above. The light from the moon seemed to shine off of Luna's pale blonde hair like it was a mirror.
"I'm not staying out here all night," Luna told him. "I just had a feeling and I wanted to see if I was right."
"A feeling?" Neville repeated. "I thought you were out here to talk to your friend." Maybe even she was shy about talking to herself in front of another person. But, she had done it before. Maybe this was all part of the grief she might be feeling.
"I planned on it, but I think she's asleep, she isn't answering."
"Oh, alright then." Neville took a seat on a root adjacent to her own and stared out over the lake. He thought that Luna might break the silence between them, but her attention remained solely on the glowing sphere above them. It looks like it was up to him to end it.
"So, Luna, this friend of yours-,"
"Sonia."
"Yeah, Sonia, what exactly does she look like?" might as well get her to try and open up.
"A lot like me actually, although her hair is straighter than mine is. Oh, her forehead is taller too."
"And she is interested in what you like?"
"She's a lot more interested now," Luna said. "Ever since her city came about, all sorts of creatures are roaming her land. I told her about all the ones my father writes about and she said they probably exist there now and always says she wants me to come and visit."
It was worse than Neville thought. Had Luna really been bullied so much that she had created her own little fantasy world with a girl to serve as her parallel? He had been bullied and he never really had much self-esteem to begin with, but he had never been pushed that far. He was even more concerned that she was willing to come out to the forest alone to try and live up to her own figment.
"And, would you want to see her?"
"Yes, but not right now."
"What do you mean?" Neville asked. That was a more of a strange answer than it was a Luna answer.
Overhead, the moon glowed brighter than it had before, causing Neville to briefly avert his eyes from the shine. If he hadn't, he might have been able to see what looked like the outline of a branch traveling across the bright object.
"I don't like the person who is going to be the king."
There was a rustle.
Neville panicked and went to pull his wand out, nearly dropping it as he did so.
"I was right," Luna got off the root she was on. "He did come again."
Off to their left, a small shape could be seen poking its head out from behind a tree. Long, dark hair fell past the shoulders as it stared at them with equally dark eyes. Dressed in a simple white, over-sized tunic was a young boy - much too young to even be a first-year in any of the three schools here at the moment. It was as if he had just shown up.
"L-luna, you know who that is?" had this actually been what she came out here to wait for?
"I have a name for him because I don't think anyone gave him one yet." Luna got closer to where their visitor was eyeing them. "You can go back to the castle, Neville, I'll try and get him to where he's going." She wanted him to just leave?
"It could be dangerous out here."
It wasn't Nevile who spoke.
From behind that same tree, another figure stepped out. This one was no child, but a beautiful man in white armor that matched his snowy locks. A saber was sheathed at his hip and he seemed to have no other weapons on him save for his eyes. They were an icy cold blue that held unparalleled cunning and intellect that was made even more evident by his slit pupils.
No one moved. Not Neville, not Luna, not this white man, the child he was with simply moved his eyes between the three of them, seemingly more comfortable with the two strangers than he was with the man.
"...You're here again?" Luna seemed to have finally found her voice. It was enough to draw his attention to her.
"You saw me then?" he seemed more curious than anything as he bent a bit at the waist to stare her directly. "You must be Luna. You look so very similar to a medium of mine who mentions you by name. I believe you know Sonia?"
What?
Neville felt his brain turn off as he heard what the man said. Luna had been right all this time.
"She's my friend," Luna said, sounding more even than before. "And you're Griffith."
"You're well informed then. A true pleasure to meet you then." Griffith's hand was reaching out toward Luna who seemed to be rooted to the spot.
The sight of it seemed to ignite a spark of courage in Neville as he managed to find his voice. "H-hey!" he managed to take a few tentative steps forward. It wasn't much, but it got his attention. Now Neville felt himself under the calm yet intense gaze of those slit eyes.
"I wasn't aware that extending a hand to shake was considered offensive, Neville." He felt his blood run cold.
"You... know my name?"
"Sonia tells me much and Luna has told Sonia much." He kept Neville under his stare, not blinking once. "You seem very out of place here. Luna was waiting for this arrival. Did you follow her?"
He didn't answer, he didn't want to answer. Something about this man, it was entirely off.
Griffith averted his gaze only slightly. "You don't feel like answering, that is fine. I didn't come here to talk anyway." He cast a glance over his shoulder as if he was giving a silent command for the kid to come out of hiding.
Seeing no other choice, the boy came out to stand a bit behind Griffith. "Ah, they seemed to be preparing to come ashore."
Neville risked a glance behind him to see silhouettes moving about on the deck of the ship anchored out on the lake. He knew the bare minimum about seafaring, but it looked like some people were getting a lifeboat ready to come ashore.
"I'll be taking my leave then," Griffith announced. "My presence here will only aggravate them." He cast a look down at the boy who stared back up at him. "Do as you will, but remember what we discussed."
Griffith seemed ready to turn and leave when Luna suddenly said, "Leave Sonia out of it."
Griffith paused. "Your pardon?" He pivoted his torso as his armor would allow, staring back at the Ravenclaw.
There was a fizzle - no, a ripple in the air behind where Griffith stood. Neville thought that perhaps the white man had done something, but the ripple seemed to be getting wider, wide enough for a long, strong leg to poke out of followed by another and then plates of what looked to be armor fashioned like bones that made up the body of a war horse. But the figure that was astride must have been seven feet tall standing up on his own. He was clad in an armor of bones as well with a skull-helm and glowing reddish-purple sockets.
The Skull Knight, for lack of a better name, held a sword in his right hand, his glowing sockets ablaze with emotion as he brought the blade down toward Griffith.
The strike didn't land.
With almost inhuman speed, Griffith drew his saber and blocked the would-be fatal strike by the Skull Knight. Griffith's intense blue eyes masked his emotions behind a veil of apathy as he lazily stared up at Skull Knight with their blades still locked.
"That trick didn't work last time, Your Majesty."
Skull Knight broke the lock and his steed galloped around to face him in the front. "I did not expect it to, Demon Prince. You are already beyond such basic trickery."
Griffith hardly seemed insulted. "Is this where you have been since the end of the war? Ubik suspected as much. How did you know I would be here?"
"This world is ripe with magical areas. One such place was decorated in stone. Your presence could be felt even from there where I waited. I thought you would be gone by the time I arrived but it seems even I did not account on you being held up." His glowing sockets stared down at both Neville and Luna, not in contempt, but surprise almost that they had been talking with Griffith.
"And so you came to try and end my reign before it begins," Griffith examined his saber. "The both of us know who would emerge the victor. And if by some miracle you did land a strike," his eyes darted down to the child, "even I do not know what would happen to him."
"Even with infinite power, you are wrong. I come not for you, but that does not mean that your reign is secure."
If but for a fraction of a second, Neville saw a hint of annoyance flash across Griffith's eyes. "The past millennia of your failures have taken a toll on you, Your Majesty." Griffith sheathed his blade and turned his back. His figure disappeared behind a tree and a brilliant flash of the moon occurred and somehow Neville knew that he was gone.
There was silence. Not even the crickets seemed to make a sound after what had just transpired. The only sound now was that of the hooves of Skull Knight's horse as it rode forward so he could stare down properly at the two mages.
"Seer," he seemed to address Luna. "The boy, lift him to my saddle."
Luna looked over to where the boy was and easily lifted him up into her arms.
"Luna!" Neville put a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "What are you doing?" even though the kid had shown up with someone like Griffith who made him feel a new type of fear, she shouldn't just hand it over to what was probably the personification of Death.
"It's alright, Neville," Luna said in a voice that was similar to her usual dreamy one. "I believe we can trust him. It doesn't feel like he means us any harm."
"You what?!" he was too stunned to stop her as she sat the kid down on the saddle as Skull Knight appeared to not want to directly touch the kid for some reason.
Once the boy was secure, Skull Knight seemed to give a small nod to the both of them. "You have a choice to make, Seer. You have been gifted with sight, to see through the veil that separates worlds. Vision can lead to many aspirations but blind many to the truth. If you know what it is you wish to protect-," Skull Knight cut himself off as he tilted his helm back, allowing the jaw portion of his helm to open as he stuck his sword down his throat. It made Neville want to gag. When he pulled it out, it was covered in multiple facial features and was emitting a glow as well. He swung it in a vertical arc and another ripple like before appeared in the air spreading until it got wider for someone like Skull Knight to fit through. "Then you know what choice is presented to you now."
"Luna, what is he talking about?" Neville demanded, not liking the sound of it one bit. She looked at him with a melancholy look in her dreamy eyes that seemed much clearer than they ever did before. "You're not about to leave?"
She looked up at Skull Knight. "I know what you mean, but... I also know what has to happen here as well. I want to see Sonia, but... being here, that's the best way to help her now."
Skull Knight's gaze made it near impossible to tell if he approved or not. "If you choose to follow your sight by this path, so be it, Seer. Not many would have refused one of the things they have craved the most. There is a strength to you yet." His steed galloped into the ripple that began to close behind him.
Neville only caught one last look at the boy and the rider before it closed completely. It was just the two of them now.
"You're wondering what all of that was, aren't you?" Luna easily read his thoughts. He could only nod dumbly with her question. "I'll tell you all about who they were."
"He offered you to go with him."
"Yes. But, I have that same feeling we'll see them again." When she said that, Neville got a feeling she wasn't talking about just Skull Knight.
"Not wearing it?" Guts observed as they got ready to take a small boat to the shore.
Casca worked one of the ropes. "We won't be long. We just have to find him and come right back."
"Yeah, well, even if you don't plan on being long, things can still happen."
"I told you, it fits just fine," Casca argued. "I have you and Harry coming with me and I'm armed myself."
"It could just be that he thinks you look good in it," Sirius joked next to them. Hearing that, Guts sent a look his way which silenced the joker. He had picked up the armor from the goblins and brought it back as promised. As far as Guts could tell, the goblins had lived up to their reputation as smiths. It fit Casca perfectly when she had shown him earlier and Sirius did have a bit of a point, she did look good in it.
"We didn't account on a werewolf being there last time either," Guts reminded. "You don't want Harry feeling like you wasted his gold, do you?"
Casca narrowed her eyes. "Do you feel your gold was wasted, Harry?"
The wizard shrugged. "Maybe a little."
"I'm still capable of-," Casca stopped short of defending her opinion as the sound of hooves on wood rang out on deck.
Guts had Dragonslayer drawn in a flash as he spun to the source of the noise.
"Your skills are still your own, Struggler?" the voice was unmistakable.
"'Bout time you finally showed up again, Bonehead," Guts put Dragonslayer on his back once again. While his reaction was tame, many of the crew had never seen their ghostly ally before. Some nearly fell overboard while others scrambled to find any swords or axes that were close.
"Deckhands, what is the meaning of- what in the hell is that?!" Roderick who was usually calm in the face of action even seemed startled at the sight of the visitor. Guts really couldn't fault the captain for that, he probably wasn't used to having a skeletal rider pop up on his ship.
Before an order could be given, Farnese had run up next to Roderick. "Wait! He means us no harm."
Roderick stared at Farnese like she had just grown a second head. "Farnese?"
In a light breeze, Serpico drifted down from the mast he had been on. His Slyph cloak billowing as he descended. "Lady Farnese speaks the truth. The means of returning home does lie with him."
As if to offer more proof in favor of the Skull Knight, Casca had taken notice of the addition on the saddle. The rope she had been holding fell to the deck as she rushed forward with no hesitation to lift the child up and into her arms. The child seemed relieved as well as his small hands touched at Casca's face and hair. The sight seemed enough to make some of the crew members hesitate and even a little embarrassed that she seemed to hold no fear in the face of a figure who looked like Death.
"I came about him in the forest along with some unexpected company."
"Mind explaining that?" Guts moved to stand next to Casca and the skeletal steed.
"That much is simple," Skull Knight's glowing sockets seemed directed out to shore. "But your company seems to be past words."
Furrowing his brow, Guts looked to see what Skull Knight was referring to. "What in Merlin's name are they doing?" it was Sirius who spoke.
Moving across the still waters of the lake were a dozen boats, at least. Each one seemed to be packed with four people and Guts was able to distinguish a very short, plump shape in one of those advancing boats. Her again?
"You mind taking of this one?" Guts asked Harry as he too stared at the advancing boats. The young wizard nodded as he closed his eyes and focused. He was probably in his astral form, calling a water spirit or something of that nature.
Skull Knight had trotted his horse to the bow of the ship, his sword a glowing mass of various facial features and Guts knew was about to happen next. Turning to Sirius he said, "This is your last chance to get off, you know?"
Sirius spotted the Skull Knight as well, ready to swing his sword before they darted back to a concentrating Harry. His face broke out into a cocksure grin. "I've always wanted to travel the world. Just never expected to go to another one."
The small fleet of boats neared and a magically amplified voice called out into the night. "UNDER MAGICAL DECREE NUMBER-,"
Fwooshhasssh!
A wall of water shot up from the still lake, courtesy of Harry's spell, pushing the fleet of boats back and toppling some of the passengers and also propelling a ship like the Sea Horse forward toward the expanding ripple in the air caused by Skull Knight's slash. The bow dipped a bit as it went through the ripple and the crew scrambled to grab hold of the mast and rails as they felt the sudden shift.
Harry's eyes opened once again and they along with the rest were able to catch sight of the floundering occupants of the boats as they coughed up lake water. A single tentacle belonging to the giant squid popped out of the water and seemed to wave a farewell before poking back down into the depths. The candles and torches decorating Hogwarts gave a tranquil and peaceful feeling about it that also made it seem very inviting.
The entire ship rocked as the castle disappeared from sight and they were left with a vast expanse of water in every direction. Some of which managed to spray up over the sides of the ship hitting Harry and a few others.
"Ugh!" Isidro gagged as he wiped off his tongue. "That's salt!"
They were back.
A/N: Well, the return to Midland has arrived but that doesn't mean that some glimpses in what's happening into Hogwarts won't still happen as there are a few threads that have to be tied up there as well. Thank you for reading.