Unraveled
Chapter Thirty-four: The Boy Who Would Be King
"Remember what James said when Harry was born?" asked Remus out loud. The meeting had concluded, and he and Sirius were walking around outside.
"Yeah. He said that Harry was bound for greatness. Lily told him he was being presumptuous. Prongs was only saying that because Harry was his son," answered Sirius with a laugh. "I thought so, too, at the time. I mean how can you tell if an infant is bound for greatness? Actually, if I was around when Fiona was born, I would have probably made the same prediction for her."
"Both of you, proud papas. I never thought I'd ever see that. You guys were pretty self-centered," said Remus with a laugh.
Sirius joined in his laughter. "Thalia used to say that about me. I am really surprised at this turn of events. Do you realize what this means?"
Remus nodded, "Harry is the king of all Merlinian wizards. That includes us. No wonder Voldemort wanted him dead. He was trying to kill Harry before he could get the sword. James and Lily just got in his way. So, did Thalia. He wants the children because they're threats to his power."
"My mother-in-law is a pain in the ass," said Sirius out loud. "I don't see where Thalia got her sweet disposition from. I feel like I'm warring with my in-laws. Actually, with Voldemort, I really am warring with him, but with Lady Desdemona…she just gets on my nerves. That woman is impossible."
"She can also smite you with lightning if she sees fit, Sirius," laughed Remus. "She's not so bad. I think Voldemort has done a lot of damage to her."
Sirius ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. "Voldemort has done a lot of damage to his own family. I refuse to let him ruin mine anymore. Now, where did the kids go?"
"Fiona dragged Draco out of the room, so I think they went to go look for Harry," replied Remus.
"The Boy Who Lived," whispered Sirius. "I suppose that title is going to change. He wasn't too happy with it. I think he was trying to put the sword back."
"Where is the sword?" asked Remus.
"I think Bill, Charlie, and Percy are putting it in safe keeping until we return to Hogwarts."
"The attacks have begun. They started as soon as Professor Dumbledore left. Lady Desdemona is right. Everyone needs to band together. Voldemort is taking out heads of states. I wonder if the French ministry is even back in order after the assassination of their Minister of Magic."
"They waited for Dumbledore to leave. Cowards. The Aurors should be able to handle some of it. But, I doubt it."
"Why didn't you just go back?"
Sirius gave a hollow laugh. "I never really liked being an Auror anyway. I only became one because my parents and Alex were. I just wanted to ride my motorcycle and go to parties. I did my job very well, but there are better ways to fight Voldemort and the Death Eaters. My daughter chose me, Remus, over her grandmother. I have to be there for her. I also have to be there for Harry. He needs guidance. Regardless of how he feels, he's our king."
"Lady Desdemona said that both of them are needed. They are halves that are joined together. Thalia's crystal and Excalibur are needed to defeat Voldemort. The only people that can use those weapons are Fiona and Harry. I don't know if they're up for it."
"They're not,' said Sirius grimly. "However, we must have some faith. There are greater powers at work."
*
Harry, Fiona, and Draco were sitting together outside star gazing. Fiona sat between the boys to keep them from killing each other. They kept glaring at each other from time to time. "This is getting really boring, guys. Why not just try to get along? We're all on the same side," said Fiona with a sigh.
"Just because you're the king doesn't make you worthy of her," said Draco out loud, completely forgetting that Fiona still hadn't a clue as to why the boys had gotten into that fist fight earlier.
"Shut up, Ferret," ordered Harry.
"By order of the king," drawled Draco mockingly.
"Um…I've been meaning to ask. Why do you and everyone else in Gryffindor call Draco a ferret?" asked Fiona.
Harry started laughing. "Didn't he tell you? Okay, last year, someone who was posing as our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor turned Draco into a white ferret. Then, he made him bounce like a Bludger up and down the hallway. It was hilarious."
Draco was red in the face as his face twisted into a scowl. "Are you trying to get yourself killed, Potter?" he said in a snarl. Fiona was giggling. "And what kind of best friend are you?!"
She couldn't control herself and continued to laugh. Harry joined her. Sirius and Remus heard the laughter. It was strange considering the tension that hung in the air. They came and saw what was so funny. They looked back and forth between the laughing pair and Draco.
"Stop that!" shouted Draco angrily.
Fiona finally recovered herself. "I'm sorry, Ferret."
"Oh yeah, Fiona Fish?"
"Don't start that!"
"What are you talking about?" asked Harry.
"Stay out of this," said Fiona.
"Why not tell him that?" asked Draco.
"Tell me what?" asked Harry.
Sirius started laughing. "This is very interesting. I never thought I'd see anything like this. You three look like friends," he observed.
"Friends? With Potter?! You're kidding!" exclaimed Draco in horror. "I don't give a damn if he's king."
"Thanks," said Harry sincerely. "You really shouldn't." His good mood had returned. He refused to look at Remus or Sirius.
"Harry, we'll be going back to Hogwarts by the day after next," said Remus bracingly. "What would you like us to do?"
"Nothing. Don't say anything," he responded. "I never asked for this."
"You haven't got much of a choice, Potter. For good or ill, you are our king," said Draco calmly.
"All I ever wanted to be was captain of the Quidditch team, not king," declared Harry.
"Oh, yeah. You're the only one in existence who's being forced into things you know you can't handle," said Fiona sarcastically as she folded her arms around her chest. "Welcome to the 'Real World.' You will always be forced to things you don't want to do. That's life. Life's isn't necessarily unfair. It's just degrees of fairness. And, Harry, you've got a better degree of fairness than most of us."
Harry stood stunned for a moment. "Most people spend half their lives trying to achieve the kind of status you were just given. Or rather born into. Most people our age can't even imagine having the power to change the world. You could change the world for the better. Ever thought of that?" she continued.
Fiona walked off. "I'm going to bed. I'm tired," she announced.
"I have to do some mediation, so I'm off," said Draco as he left.
"Every king needs his queen to put him in his place every once and in a while," said Remus out loud. Sirius glared at him before looking at Harry.
"We are here to help you. I know I haven't been around much lately. I'm sorry," said Sirius.
"It's okay. You're her father. Besides, what she said was right. We're stuck together," said Harry softly as he went off for bed.
Harry knew that the world treated him differently because of his scar. Now, he had an invisible crown on his head. The sword was returned to his room with Griffin guarding it.
"Milord," he said giving Harry a brief bow.
"I'm going to sleep. It's been a long day," said Harry.
*
The next morning the Lady of the Lake arranged to meet with Harry and Fiona without anyone else present. She had to tell them the importance of their bond. Instead of showing up early, she allowed them to come in before her, so they could rally each other's support.
"What do you think she wants?" asked Harry.
"I'm not sure," replied Fiona.
"She's your grandmother."
"Just because I have her DNA doesn't mean, I know what she's thinking."
"Can't you use your Avalonian magic?"
"Even if I knew how, I couldn't do it. She's the Lady of the Lake."
"Fiona, have you thought about—"
Harry was interrupted by Lady Desdemona's arrival. She studied the young pair carefully before taking her seat.
"I will not stall much longer, children. The reason why I summoned you both today morning is to inform you of what you are meant to do. You are the only people who can stop Voldemort. Avalon has chosen two children. One Avalonian, another Merlinian. Avalon does not grant its children the power to kill, but it will grant you, Fiona, the power to seal Voldemort."
"How do I come in?" asked Harry.
"Before Voldemort can be sealed, he must be weakened. You will have to fight him, but you cannot completely kill him. You haven't been able to do that. You cannot kill what is already dead," said Lady Desdemona. "His new body is stronger than his old one. You won't be able to kill him."
"But, what about Excalibur?" asked Fiona. "And how am I supposed to seal him? Why me?"
"Excalibur will give Harry enough power to stop him, but the crystal is the only thing that will seal him. You mother's blood will do it," said Lady Desdemona.
"Great. This is impossible," muttered Harry. "Let me get this straight. That's it. That's all it will take. Let me ask a question: how are we supposed to get close enough to Voldemort to do this?"
"That's up to the Merlinians. Avalon has done its part," said Lady Desdemona.
"Great," said Harry as he stood up. "Did it ever occur to Avalon that we're not ready for it? We're too young and we could die."
Lady Desdemona looked him straight in his emerald eyes. "I do not have the power to change the will of Avalon. I can only defy it. However, do you really want Voldemort to gain more power in the time that you need to be ready? If Avalon and the Goddess know you're ready, then you are. You must have some faith."
"I agree with Harry," said Fiona quietly. "This sounds like a suicide mission."
"That is why there are two of you. You must support each other. Avalon has bound you together as two parts of a whole. You are meant to be together," Lady Desdemona informed her. Fiona felt her cheeks flush as she quickly looked away from them.
Harry sat there mildly stunned. "I see. So, this is a suicide pact then," he said jokingly.
"That's not funny!" exclaimed Fiona as she turned to look at him. Her cheeks were flushed, so he smiled at her. "Stupid."
"Now, children. I know that your grandfather, Fiona, had his choice for you," said Lady Desdemona.
"What does that mean?" asked Fiona, alarmed.
"Draco Malfoy was chosen to be your husband by your grandfather previously. However, the engagement is off because of his father's death. He has chosen to study Avalonian magic rather than return to Hogwarts," answered Lady Desdemona.
"What? I didn't know any of that. Why didn't he tell me? Did you know about this?" Fiona asked Harry the last question.
He nodded. "I knew about the first part, but not the second part," he said.
"And let me guess, he's your choice," she said as she turned her attention back to Lady Desdemona. Fiona jerked her thumb at Harry when she referred to him. "I can make my own decisions. I'm too young to make decisions like theses."
"Too late. Avalon has decided, not I," said Lady Desdemona as she stood up. "Today you will return to Hogwarts. The battles have begun. Time is slipping."
Harry and Fiona stood up at the same time. They waited for Lady Desdemona to walk in front of them before walking a little behind her. Fiona refused to look at Harry. Part of him felt about what Lady Desdemona had said about him and Fiona, but another part of him was dreading the upcoming battle they had. He didn't want Fiona to get hurt. How could Lady Desdemona even think of putting her into any danger?
He could feel the fear coming from her. She was scared twice over. She was frightened of him getting to close. She was also scared of Voldemort.
"Good morning everyone. This is the last day of negotiations. The high king has claimed his sword. Avalon has given its blessing for all of you to move forward. One to fight and one to seal. The rest of you will have to find a way to get to Voldemort. It is a war," said Lady Desdemona.
Professor Dumbledore made eye contact with her and nodded. "May the power of the Goddess protect you all," she continued solemn. "Pardon me while I leave to mediate. I will see you off later."
Draco came up to Harry and Fiona. "So, Potter, are you ready to go back to Hogwarts? As if you weren't popular enough," he said.
"When were you going to tell me that you were engaged to me?" asked Fiona suddenly, causing everyone to stop for a moment.
Draco froze for a moment. "There was no point. I had no intention of marrying you. It doesn't matter anymore. My father's dead, so is the engagement."
"Okay. Fine. When were you going to tell me that you were going to go to school here?" she asked.
He sighed. "I didn't think it really mattered. Don't get upset."
"I'm not upset. I'm pissed off! You didn't bother to talk to me first. Some best friend you are."
He looked stunned for a moment, but quickly recovered. "I don't have to plan my life around you. This a good chance for me and I'm taking it." He had discussed this previously with Professor Dumbledore, Lady Desdemona, and Sensei Ran.
Fiona held up her fist for a brief moment. It was so tempting to hit him. She probably would have, if Harry hadn't managed to stop her. He grabbed her from behind and pulled her from Draco. "Don't do this in front of everyone," he whispered in her ear.
"Let me go, Harry," said Fiona warningly.
"No, not until you calm down," said Harry firmly.
Sirius had had enough, so he said, "Let's just get going. We're wasting time. You can talk about this later when we get back to Hogwarts."
The tension eased from Fiona, so Harry released her. "Fine. Let's get going," he agreed.
"Any other orders, Milord?" asked Percy.
Harry looked at him like his head had exploded. "Drop it. We're not telling anyone about the sword. Nothing. That's what I want," he said.
"Wait…you want us to not say anything? Do you realize how long the wizarding world's been waiting for the next Camelot?" asked Bill.
"Camelot? Was that the kingdom that was destroyed before?" asked Harry out loud as he whirled to face Sensei Ran.
"Yes. However, your kingdom is actually an empire that spans around the world. You are the high king to all Merlinian wizards," he replied.
His jaw clutched as he looked around. The Weasleys had been treating him very differently since they found out. He looked at Sirius and Remus. Even they were treating him differently. Professor Snape watched him with his black eyes. "Do not expect me to go easy on you in class, Milord. You will still be expected to do well. In fact, I expect you to do better," he said as if he had read Harry's thoughts. "We cannot have a king who cannot brew basic potions correctly."
"Thank you," whispered Harry. "It's up to the rest of you. You can say it. Or not. I don't bloody care."
Fiona and Draco glanced at each other briefly. "Fine, I'll do it. I'll call you Potter like I always do. Besides, I don't want to call you anything else. Let alone 'Your Highness,'" said Draco. "But I must say, you won't be able to keep this a secret for very long. There will be people out there who would want to join your court. Your round table."
"There will be no round table. No second Camelot. I won't be king," said Harry. "I won't."
No one else in the world could make him do it. "There has to be another way. Something that doesn't put us in any more danger than we have to be. I'm supposed to face off with Voldemort alone. Just me." He didn't want all the glory. Maybe, he was meant to die the first time. He couldn't bear the thought of Fiona being pulled into it. Voldemort could destroy her. He couldn't stand the thought of losing something else to him. He loved her.
"It's my choice. Not Avalon's. Not my family's. Or yours. It's mine," said Fiona solemnly. "He can't win this time. No one else should be as hurt as us, Harry. No one. We have to stop him, but we can't do it separately."
Her voice fell silent. Sirius could see how afraid she was. Her courage had to hold on, but it was wavering. The three children did not speak to each other as they all said good bye to Avalon. A few hours later, the raft was set to go with the trunks loaded on. Harry's sword was the last thing brought on board.
Lady Desdemona came to see them off some hours later. She nodded curtly at Sirius, which was as good as it was going to get. At least, she acknowledged his existence. She went to Fiona and kissed her on the forehead. "Remember what I have told you, my child. Live your life without regret," she told her.
Fiona embraced her. She wanted her mother, but her grandmother would do. Lady Desdemona wrapped her arms around her. "I'll miss you," said Fiona.
"You are always welcome to this isle, my child. Always. You are my heart," whispered Lady Desdemona as she released her.
"Thank you. Bye," said Fiona as she reluctantly got on the raft with her father's assistance. Sirius gave her a kiss on her cheek.
"Thanks, Dad," she whispered.
"Sir Ran, let her part the mists," instructed Lady Desdemona.
Ryu nodded as he turned to face her. "Are you ready?" he asked.
"Um…how do I do that?" asked Fiona.
"It's a combination of air and water magic. Mostly air. Remember what I told you about illusionary magic. It works about the same way. Just concentrate," said Sensei Ran gently.
Fiona closed her eyes. Draco steered the boat, wondering if she could really do it. Everyone on the raft seemed to hold their breath. She was aware of them watching her. She took a deep breath.
Suddenly, she could hear thoughts going through her head. She was using her water magic too much. She could hear the thoughts of the people on the raft. One voice managed to cut through. "Focus. Use more air magic." It was Ryu Ran. "Come on. You can do it. Focus."
Fiona focused again. She hoped that she could do this. She did the same motions as Sensei Ran before. She pulled her hands apart and the mists began to lift. She had to concentrate on where they were going. Back to the lake in Hogwarts. Please. Back to the lake. Hogwarts, she thought.
She parted her hands and the mists cleared. She hoped that they were back at the lake. She looked around and saw the castle's towers and smiled. "We made it," said Mr. Weasley. "Excellent, Miss Black."
"Thanks," said Fiona as she smiled. "I can't believe I did it."
"It seems a bit quiet," said Professor Snape as he looked around. "Too quiet."
Ryu looked around, trying to sense if anything was wrong. The school felt strange. There were less people around. He looked at his grandfather briefly. "I think we'd better get to shore in a hurry," he said as he waved his arms.
Everyone found themselves back on the bank of the lake along with their possessions. Harry's sword was in his trunk, so he had to be careful. "Wingardium Leviosa," he said as he pointed his wand at his trunk. It started floating. He didn't want anyone else carrying his trunk.
"Where is everyone?" asked Mr. Weasley.
"Inside," said Professor Dumbledore as he gestured for everyone to keep walking. There was a chill in the air.
They entered the Great Hall to find that it was empty. "I don't like this," said Sirius. "It's like we're walking into a trap."
"It is good to see you again, Professor Dumbledore," said a great man, who was not nearly as tall as Hagrid, as he entered the room.
"Rufus? Rufus Chambers. It's good to see you again," said Professor Dumbledore. The rest of the group had no idea who this person was.
"What's going on?" demanded Professor Snape. He was looking around carefully. He didn't want anything happening to his goddaughter.
"This is Rufus Chambers a member of the Illuminati. What brings you to the castle?" asked Professor Dumbledore.
"I came because of the attacks. Many of the parents sent owls demanding that their children be returned immediately. I came to assist Professor McGonagall in your absence. You've been gone for weeks," said Rufus.
"What? But, it's been days," said Fiona.
"Time runs differently in Avalon," explained Ryu.
"I also came because I had a vision. A vision of Excalibur's return. I pray you, tell me what has happened?" asked Rufus. He looked at the other people. Harry was trying his best not to say anything. However, Rufus' eyes fell on Harry's scar. "Ah, Harry Potter. It is an honor to meet you." He swept into a graceful bow.
Harry felt his cheeks flush for a moment. "You don't have to do that," he snapped.
"Harry, be nice," said Sirius.
"And who is this bonny lass?" inquired Rufus as he turned his attention to Fiona.
"This is my daughter, Fiona," said Sirius as she gave a brief nod, while staying close to her father.
"Fiona. It's a lovely name."
"Thank you," said Fiona.
"This young man must be Draco Malfoy. I can't say I'm not celebrating what happened to your father, but it is still a pleasure to meet you," said Rufus as he held out a hand to shake Draco's.
Draco shook hands with him. "Likewise, I'm sure."
"And you must be the Weasleys, I've been talking to your boys lately," said Rufus as he spoke to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.
"Where are the other children?" asked Professor Dumbledore.
"Classes have been moved to the common rooms of the class because there are so few of them," Rufus informed him.
"Then, let's go to Gryffindor Tower," said Harry. "I have to put my trunk down."
"Can Draco come along?" asked Fiona; she still needed to talk to him about what had happened in Avalon.
"The Slytherin Dungeons are pretty much empty. Their parents were the first ones to owl for them. He will be the only student there," said Rufus.
"He will be safe enough then. Let's go Draco," said Professor Snape.
"I'll talk to you later, Fin," said Draco over his shoulder as he walked off.
"Come on," said Harry as he walked up to Fiona. Sirius was the one handling her luggage. She followed him. Harry followed her.
The Weasleys and Professor Lupin walked with them. Professor Dumbledore and Ryu Ran went off to discuss matters more with Rufus. The castle was eerily quiet as they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Password?" she asked.
"Lionheart," said Harry. He entered first closely followed by everyone else.
The portrait swung open without hesitation. Professor McGonagall stopped her lecture immediately when they entered the common room. Gryffindor only had a handful of students, but still more than the rest of the houses.
"Mr. Potter," said Professor McGonagall.
"Harry!" exclaimed Ron and Hermione.
"Hello everyone," managed Harry with some cheer. It was good to be home.
"How was your trip, Harry?" asked Neville.
"Fine. Excuse me, I have to put my trunk back upstairs," he responded as he steered his trunk towards the staircase.
The only students that remained in Hogwarts were the Weasleys, Hermione, Neville, Dean, Seamus, and a few other students. There was under two dozen students left in Gryffindor.
"It was a mess. The attacks kept coming. People were afraid with Dumbledore gone. Some parents actually came to Hogwarts to get their children," explained Professor McGonagall.
"Are you all right, Mum?" asked Fred.
"I'm fine. It was a once in a lifetime trip," answered Mrs. Weasley.
"Where did you guys go?" asked Ron.
"Avalon," answered Bill.
There came a stunned silence around the room. Neville broke it when he knocked his books over. "A-Avalon," stammered Hermione. "The Avalon?" Her voice sounded high.
The portrait swung open again just as she was done speaking. Nell came in. "Fiona, I heard you were back. It's great to see you," she said as she walked up to Fiona.
They embraced briefly. "Are you all right, Fin?" she asked.
"Not really. I met my grandmother," replied Fiona.
"Your grandmother?" asked Nell. She looked behind her to make eye contact with Sirius.
"Yes, her grandmother. Thalia's mother. And she hates me," said Sirius wryly with a shrug.
"Dad, she doesn't hate you," corrected Fiona. "She just doesn't like you."
"What's the difference?"
"Um…I'm not sure. But hate is a strong word."
"Really? You went to Avalon?" interrupted Ron.
Nell betrayed a look of surprise. "Looks like we've got one hell of a story to hear," she mused.
"There's no point in continuing the lesson right now. Explain yourselves," instructed Professor McGonagall.
The explanation of the wonders of Avalon took more than an hour. During that time, Fiona slipped away to go and check up on Harry. He was sitting alone looking out the window. He looked strained.
"Harry," said Fiona.
"What are you doing in here? You're not supposed to be here. This is the boys' dorm," said Harry as he looked at her. The window was misted over, but light managed to filter into the room. She could almost hear his heartbeat as she walked forward.
"I'm a Black. I don't follow the rules unless I want to. They're trying to explain everything. I just wanted a moment's peace before they find out everything. Where's your sword?" she asked.
"In my trunk," replied Harry. "I didn't bother to unpack it."
"Harry, you can't run from what you are. I've tried it. I always get pulled back to where I belong."
"It really is my fault that my parents died."
She shook her head furiously. She finally sat down on his bed. "How could you love me?" she whispered.
"I already told you. You make me feel whole."
"Can it really be as simple as that, Harry?"
"I can't force you to love me, Fiona. You are my equal. I can't command you to love me, even if I am the king. I wouldn't do that. Otherwise, how would I ever really know?"
"Are you uncertain about being the high king?"
"Of course, I am. I'm fifteen years old. How can I possibly rule over people who are older than me? I never got training for it. I was raised by people who would sooner see me dead than as their superior."
"Is there anything you think is certain, Harry?"
"You," he whispered. "Just you. I know that I love you. That is the only thing I know for certain. I won't let anything happen to you. You cannot fight Voldemort. You could die. I would rather go alone."
"No. I am your equal. That makes me your partner. Remember what my grandmother said, we are tied together by fate. I'll stay by your side."
They sat a few feet away from each other. They silently drew on each other's strength. Fiona slowly realized that Harry had always had an undercurrent of great power. His magic was stronger than hers. She only seemed stronger because of the crystal. That was her mother's powers. The powers of a full grown witch who was trained in the dark arts.
Neither of them knew that the sword was kept a secret and so was Harry's regal status. Fiona's secrets however were out. Sirius thought it was best to explain her grandmother. Professor McGonagall started passing around the common room.
"What about Harry? He doesn't seem all right," said Ron. "Of course, that's really relative these days."
"He's just tired," answered Sirius. "Hermione, would you mind getting Fiona for me?" He thought that she had gone to the girls' dorms.
"No problem," said Hermione as she stood up to go and look for Fiona. Just then, the door to the boys dorm opened. "Why are you coming out of there?" Hermione asked Fiona as she emerged.
"Harry's not feeling well," she replied.
"What's wrong with him?" asked Ron. "We should go and get Madame Pomfrey."
"I'll go and check on him," volunteered Nell.
"No, leave him be. Fiona, come here, baby," said Sirius as he gestured for her to come to him.
"Why?"
"I'm not mad."
"You don't sound it."
"Come here," said Sirius in a firmer tone. He really didn't want to yell in front of everyone, but she was really trying his patience.
"Sirius, calm down," murmured Remus.
"Please come here."
"No."
"Fiona Lily Black."
"Okay, okay. Why do you people insist on using my whole name when you're mad?" she asked as she walked over to him.
"Looks like the only way you're going to behave, is if you stay by my side," said Sirius.
Remus snickered. Sirius glared at him. "Got something to say, Remus?"
"Yes. You telling someone to behave is very funny. I never thought I'd see the day Sirius Black makes someone follow the rules," laughed Remus.
Professor McGonagall decided to put her two cents in, "I also find it amusing, considering the circumstances. Along with James Potter, you disrupted my class numerous times. Not to mention all the other things I never found out about."
Fiona gave her father a funny look as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Hypocrit."
"Don't do as I did. Do as I say," Sirius.
"Don't you mean: 'Do as I say, not what I said?'" asked Fiona.
"Never mind. Will you two stop undermining my authority?" he said to Professor McGonagall and Remus. "Come with me, Fiona."
"I don't want to," said Fiona defiantly. "But, I'll come along. I don't like that vein that's sticking out of your neck."
Wonderful. I've turned into my father. I knew there was another reason why I didn't want children before, thought Sirius wryly. "Isn't she cute?" he asked out loud with a laugh.
"Adorable," agreed Nell with a wry smile.
"You'll be staying at the faculty quarters with me," said Sirius. He didn't think it was a good idea to have Fiona and Harry in the same place without him present. Not that he didn't trust them.
"I still need to talk to Draco," said Fiona.
"Is it really a problem that he studies in Avalon?" asked Ron out loud.
"It's a great opportunity. Besides, he hasn't got a home to go to anymore," pointed out Hermione.
Fiona was mildly stunned for a moment. She hadn't thought of that. She was only thinking about losing her best friend. She didn't bother to stop and think that perhaps it was a hard decision for him to make. She bit her lip.
"Come on, Fiona," said Sirius. "Let's get some rest."
Everyone split up for the rest of the day. Harry was still looking out the window when Ron came in. "Did anything happen up here with Fiona?" he asked. His eyes were practically dancing with mischief, but he stopped when he saw how serious Harry was.
"What are you thinking about?" asked Ron. "Did something happen in Avalon, Harry?"
"Yes. You've gotten used to me, right Ron?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"You've gotten used to me as 'The Boy Who Lived,' haven't you?"
Ron nodded as his brow furrowed. "Of course, I got over it our first year. Although, there are times where you still surprise me, even with all the faith I have in you."
"What if I were something else? Something no one suspected."
"You're my best friend. I know all I really need to know about you, Harry. What's this all about?"
Harry decided to change the subject. "Fiona's grandmother is a little scary, but I think she liked me over Sirius."
"The Lady of the Lake. Wow. You really went to Avalon and you met her. Did you get to see Merlin's Willow?" asked Ron.
Harry nodded, but he didn't like where this conversation was going. "What happened to you, Harry?"
"I don't know. One moment, I thought I knew who I was. The next, I don't know. Everything is different now. Everything will change," said Harry. "Did they tell you about what Fiona and I have to do?"
"Vaguely. Fiona's part was explained thoroughly, but my mum said you'd explain when you felt like it."
"I told her I loved her," whispered Harry. He would rather talk about that than about the sword. Ron looked surprised.
"Don't you think that's a little sudden? I mean, Harry, you were only dreaming about her for a couple of weeks. Don't tell me you fell in love with her before you met her? Oh Merlin, what did her father say?"
"He told me to wait until March 15th before asking her out," replied Harry. "But, she's not budging. I've got a few months to win her over."
"Harry, you've messed up more than once. Let's see: you got into more than one fight with her best friend, you pushed her, and…say, what else did you do to her?" Ron eyed him suspiciously. He looked him straight in the eye. "You're not being shy, are you? What did she say when you told her?"
"A lot of stuff. To sum it up, she didn't really say no, but she didn't say anything else either," replied Harry.
"I can't believe you did that. It took me five years to sort out my feelings and to tell Hermione how I felt," said Ron as he rubbed his temple. "Do you want me to help you out?"
"What could you do?"
"Well, for one thing, I could tell you not to push her."
"I already knew that. We just talked about it. I think I'll go out for a walk," said Harry.
"Out there. Harry, it looks like it's going to rain," said Ron as he looked out the window.
"It's fine," said Harry. He stood up. He needed to go outside for a while. He needed the fresh air. He had plenty to think about. His head could feel the weight of an invisible crown. His heart felt heavy because of Fiona.
Ron made no move to stop him. The common room was empty as he pulled his cloak around him. He wished that Hagrid was there, but he was away with Madame Maxime to meet with the giants. Harry could have used his guidance right about now.
The mists around the castle made everything damp, including his hair. His cloak was slowly getting moist as well. He pulled his cloak closer to his body. He could see his breath in the air when he breathed.
"I thought you'd be out here," said Fiona as she snuck up on him. He whirled around with a look of surprise. "I told my father I forgot something in the common room. Ron said you went out for a walk."
"What are you doing out here?" asked Harry.
"I don't know. I just found myself looking for you," she replied. "I'm not sure how I feel, Harry. There's too much going on right now. I can't think straight."
Harry looked at her. "You're the only person who really sees me, Fiona," he whispered. "Do you want me to be king? I would do it for you."
Fiona walked up to him. For the first time, she came to him. She placed her hand on his cheek. The mist was dampening her hair. "I can't decide that for you, Harry. It's your decision."
"I will stay by your side. I already told you that. I have faith in you, but it's not enough if you don't have faith in yourself," she continued.
Harry reached for her hand, which she allowed him to take. The hand she had on his cheek slipped down. The mists concealed their surroundings. It was like being lost in the clouds. Her hand moved to the front of his cloak, she pulled him towards her. He looked surprised at the moment.
She let go of his hand and with both her hands she touched his face. She took off his glasses. "I was wondering how you looked without your glass," she whispered.
"I can still see you," he whispered. He could see her clearly. She pushed her feet up to meet his lips. She pressed her lips softly against his, taking him by surprise. She stepped back from him.
"What was that for?" Harry asked.
"Nothing. I just thought you needed it," Fiona replied. She walked off without saying goodbye. Harry stood in absolute shock and euphoria. Just when he thought he had her figured out, she surprised him.
AN: That's it for now. Loads of stuff happens next chapter. I swear. I thought it would be good to build the romance in this chapter. Please note this is the first time that Fiona's actually made a move towards Harry. I felt the guy deserved it. He's going to be under a lot of pressure. Yes, Sirius is the over protective father. Go figure, the former ladies' man knows how boys think, so you can't blame the guy.
Been out sick for the past week. By the way, someone put a review, but no e-mail address. If you would like to see my reply to you, please go to http://remyelf.livejournal.com. ^^
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. I own this story, but not much else.