Unraveled
Chapter Thirty-Five: The Knights of the Illuminati
The next morning started too early for Harry, but he found himself unable to sleep. He felt like he could take on the world. He got out of bed, but his eyes lay on the trunk again. Ron and everyone else was still asleep. Harry didn't want to take out the sword just to look at it.
It was hard enough to stop people from gawking at his forehead because of his scar. Now, people were going to really look at him. He couldn't handle that much attention. He was used to being treated like he was invisible when he was with the Dursleys. This made him totally unprepared when he first entered the wizarding world. Harry didn't know the first thing about being a king. He had good enough manners, but he couldn't imagine himself meeting with heads of state. Most royalty received training from an early age.
"Harry, why are you awake so early?" asked Ron as he peered at him through the curtain.
"I couldn't sleep," he replied.
"Don't worry. You'll see her at breakfast," mumbled Ron sleepily.
"I've got other things on my mind," muttered Harry as he got ready for the day. Ron closed his curtain and went back to sleep. Harry went to his trunk and carefully opened it. He half expected to find Excalibur flashing, but it was buried underneath his clothes and books. Harry found some clothes for the day. He took a brief shower and then went to the mirror as soon as he was done dressing.
"Tidy up that hair, Scruffy," said the mirror.
Harry tried his best, but even mirror gave up, "Never mind. It's a losing battle." He smirked at it. There was no way a king would look as scruffy as he did. He sighed and went to the Great Hall. Thankfully, there was no one there, but Sensei Ran.
"I thought I'd see you first, Harry," the kind teacher greeted him. "Good morning to you."
"Good morning, Sensei Ran," said Harry. He really like him. He was an excellent teacher like Professor Lupin. Of course, Harry was sure that Sensei Ran's skills as a teacher was something he had inherited from Professor Dumbledore.
"Feeling restless, are we?"
Harry gave a nod. "I'm not sure if I'm ready for this. There's so much to do. How am I suppose to fight him? And what happens afterwards? How am I supposed to be a king? I have no idea how I'm supposed to do all of this."
"That is why we are here to assist you. We will go through this one step at a time. Unfortunately, I am not the one who will train you in the sword. That requires the skills of a Merlinian wizard. I must assist Fiona with her magic. It will take Avalon magic to get there."
"That's another thing that's bothering me. I don't want anything to happen to her."
"It is up to her. I know her well enough to know that she will not allow you to go alone. She would like to have a word with her grandfather."
Just then the doors burst open and there was Rufus with twelve other men. "My King," he said in a happy tone. "We serve you." He and the twelve other men kneeled before Harry.
"Um…s-stop that. You don't need to do that," stammered Harry. He could feel his ears burning. This was the last thing he needed.
To further improve matters, everyone else had walked in. "Hey, where's breakfast?" said Ron as he stopped. "What's going on?" he asked.
"Why are they bowing?" asked Hermione as she looked at Professor McGonagall. She smiled because she had been informed about Harry's status last night during the faculty meeting.
"I think they're on to you, Potter," said Draco as he showed up with Professor Snape.
"What's going on, Harry?" asked Ron.
Sirius and Fiona had wandered in wondering while everyone was quiet. They glanced at each other before looking at Harry. All eyes were on him. "Please get up, Rufus," he said finally.
"As you wish, Milord," said Rufus as he gestured for the other men to stand up. Harry could feel all the eyes staring at him.
"I suppose there is no way for me to get around this, is there?" asked Harry out loud as he took a glance at Professor Dumbledore whose eyes were twinkling with great amusement. Harry sighed.
"Why are these people staring at our king like this?" asked one of the other knights.
"King?" chorused the group from Gryffindor.
"What is going on, Harry? This is the third time I've asked," said Ron.
"How dare you address the one who bears Excalibur in such an improper manner!," declared another knight.
"Excalibur? There's a real Excalibur?" asked Hermione as she stared at Harry.
"Just a souvenir from Avalon," he replied with an attempt to look causal. He quickly averted his gaze.
"Wait….Excalibur?" managed Ron.
"He is King of the Merlinians. Our king," said Mr. Weasley. "All of the wizards from this realm have to answer to him."
"But…where is the sword?" asked Hermione.
"In my trunk underneath everything else," muttered Harry with defeat. He couldn't stand all the people staring at him.
"He's only fifteen years old," said Ron. "And he's a king?"
Harry glared at him, which made Ron quickly shut up. "Thanks for your faith in me, Ron," he said. "If it's all right with you, folks, I'm going back to the tower for a while." He left the Great Hall without looking at anyone.
There was a stunned silence before everyone recovered and started talking about what just happened. There were so many questions that the visitors from Avalon had to answer on Harry's behalf. Fiona and Draco didn't take part in it. She took a glance at her father.
"Dad, maybe you should talk to him," she suggested.
"I think it's best to let him have some time to himself," said Sirius. "He's not ready for people following him blindly. However, he's got the ability to be a great leader from both his parents."
"Sirius, I think being head boy and head girl is a little different from being our king," said Remus.
Fiona looked at Draco who just gawked at her. "What do you want me to do? Not that I don't mind insulting him for you, but it's his problem if he can't handle his own power," he told her.
"How are you handling things, Fiona?" asked Nell.
"I don't know. I can't seem to quite grasp what my grandmother meant. How am I supposed to use this crystal to seal him?" she said as she stared at the crystal.
"That's because your grandmother likes to talk in riddles. That is the most annoying thing about her. Wait, there are many annoying things about her," said Sirius.
"Daddy, please be nice."
"Only for you. But, I'll say one thing: how could I have a wife and a daughter from heaven, while my in-laws are from hell? How did that happen? I'm mystified."
"Because it's you, Sirius," laughed Remus. Fiona joined her godfather's laughter.
"Hey, Malfoy! You knew about Harry being the king before us, but you didn't say anything," said Ron, halting Remus' and Fiona's laughter.
"I only did what his majesty asked me to do. Besides, I'm more afraid of her than him," said Draco as he jerked his thumb towards Fiona. "And I only listened to him because she told me to. I am going to join the Avalonians eventually, so eventually I won't have to answer to the King of the Merlinians."
"Have you seen the sword, Fiona?" asked Seamus eagerly.
"Yes. I had it pointed straight at my neck for a few minutes," she answered. "Harry and Draco are sparring partners."
"That's why Sensei Ran insisted I spar with him. He wanted Potter to get used to using a sword," mused Draco out loud.
"Didn't you realize that earlier?" asked Fiona.
"Shut up, Fin," replied Draco, which earned him a glare.
"Harry wanted to put the sword back in the stone," she added.
"I can see why," said Ron. "I probably shouldn't have stared at him like that, but it's so unbelievable. Just when I think I've learned everything there is to know about him, there's something else that comes along. He always surprises me."
"I don't think there was anyone more shocked than him, Ron," said Hermione. "We should go and talk to him. The two of us."
"Okay," he agreed as he and Hermione started for the tower.
"Wait…why don't you bring him something to eat? He left without eating anything," said Fiona.
"That's right," said Hermione as she collected some food for Harry. They went to the tower to find him sitting in the common room. He was staring at the fire looking through the assignments that he missed since he had gone off to Avalon. He wasn't feeling very hungry anyway. He barely acknowledged Hermione and Ron when they entered the common room.
"Harry, we're sorry about what happened back there. It was a big surprise," said Ron.
"We brought you something to eat," said Hermione as she set the food in front of him. They both took a seat. "I know that you're worried about what kind of king you'll make. You don't have to worry so much. We have faith in you, don't we, Ron?"
"Of course, we do. And besides, we'll always be there for you," assured Ron. "It's been a weird year for you. We've tried all this time, but you haven't been very cooperative with us. We understand. It's not anyone's fault."
"I'm sorry," said Harry after some silence passed. "I have no idea why this is bothering me so much. But, you know what, last night I made a decision."
"What?" asked Ron and Hermione.
"I am going to defeat Voldemort. No matter what it takes, I'll defeat him."
"Is it because of Fiona?" asked Hermione. She'd figured out that Harry had been in love with her for a while, even though Ron and Harry never told Hermione about it. She wasn't the smartest witch of their year for nothing.
"Not just for her or because Avalon says I have to do it. I will do it for my people. I am King. None of my subjects are supposed to serve me. I serve them. I have to protect them," said Harry solemnly. "I just had to get going this morning to remember that. I was thrown off when Rufus and his fellow knights kneeled like that. I wasn't ready for it. I can't picture myself being a king."
"But, you are. And you're still Harry Potter. Our fearless Quidditch captain," said Ron. "You'll still be on the Quidditch team right? Of course, we can't play since the games were cancelled for the rest of the year. Once again."
"Why are you thinking about that?" asked Hermione with annoyance.
Harry laughed. "It's okay. I like to think about next year. It's something to shoot for," he said.
"There's something else I've been wondering about," said Ron.
"What?"
"Can we see your sword?"
Harry looked back and forth between them. He nodded and stood up. "Wait here," he said as he went to the boys' dorm to open his trunk. He dug underneath his clothes and books and found it in its sheath. He touched the handle, which quickly warmed to his touch as it acknowledged him. He put his clothes back and closed his trunk.
He came back down and showed the sword. "It's incredible," said Ron as he stared at it. Harry drew Excalibur out of the sheath. "Isn't it heavy?" asked Hermione. He shook his head. "Not at all."
"You need to get more practice with it. If you need a sparring partner other than Malfoy, I volunteer," said Ron with a smile.
"That's okay. I need to spar with someone who irritates me like Malfoy," said Harry. Just then the entrance of the common room opened and the others flooded in.
"It's Excalibur!" exclaimed Seamus.
"Don't yell like that in front of the King," said Neville quickly.
"It's okay. I'm still Harry," said Harry with a smile as he put the sword back into the sheath. "Let me put this back. I've got lessons to catch up on." He left to put the sword back into his trunk.
Fred and George walked up to Ron and Hermione. "Is he okay?" asked Fred.
"Yeah, and he's going to make a fantastic king," said Ron.
"I wonder if he has any openings in his round table," said George thoughtfully.
Fiona was in the common room with her father and godparents, except for Severus. He was discussing things with Rufus. They were setting up more security around the castle to protect two very important children. They also had to send off secret messages to the Minister of Magic. Professor Dumbledore had placed Severus in charge of making out the report. Severus had to be extremely careful about what he wrote in it because there was a chance that there were still spies in the Ministry of Magic. Secrecy was the key to keep the children safe.
"Dad, where's Sensei Ran?" asked Fiona.
"I have no idea," he replied.
Harry came back down from the room to find everyone getting ready for their lessons. Fiona wasn't sure if she was to join the other children or not, but that was quickly answered by Ginny, "Fiona, have a seat."
She looked at her father for a moment, but he gestured for her to have a seat. Professor McGonagall looked around. "Today, we will be continuing our lessons. We have many adults to observe today. And I hope that Mr. Black will not disrupt this lesson as he did so many years ago."
The children laughed. Fiona shot a look at her father before turning back around for the lesson. "That was a long time ago, Professor McGonagall. Let it go," said Sirius with a smile.
"Between you and James Potter, how could I possibly forget?" asked Professor McGonagall. "And yet you both still managed to get top grades in my class."
"What is the lesson for today?" asked Hermione.
Professor McGonagall started the lesson; it went on for three hours and while everyone was practicing, Fiona and Harry had to talk to her about what they had missed. They were surprised at the amount of work they had to make up. They walked away in a daze. "Unbelievable. Look at this," said Harry. "If this is what I missed for Transfiguration, I don't want to know what I missed for my other classes."
"At least, you don't have to learn Avalonian as well," said Fiona.
"Hey, Harry, you're the king. You don't have to make up the work if you don't want to," said Fred slyly.
"That's what the people under you are for," added George.
Harry raised his eyebrow at them. "I don't think so. I'll do my work," he said. "I think we're being kept busy on purpose, Fiona."
"How do you figure?" she asked.
"I don't know. But, I have a feeling your father and my father have something to do with it. What did you do when you were in Professor McGonagall's class, Sirius?" asked Harry.
"Nothing," said Sirius with an innocent look.
"Your eyes are lying, Dad," said Fiona.
"A better question would be: what didn't Sirius and James do," said Remus.
"Hey, you were the one sleeping in her class, Remus," said Sirius defensively. "At least we had the decency to stay awake."
"But, I'm still a teacher at Hogwarts," said Remus with a grin.
"Hey, where did they go?" asked Sirius when he noticed that Harry and Fiona were gone. He looked to see them taking a seat in a corner with their transfiguration books opened.
"Okay, we'll have to go and check with Severus if the castle is secure. Come on, Sirius," said Remus as he turned to leave, but Sirius wasn't moving. "Sirius."
"I'm just making sure Harry's really studying his book and not her," said Sirius before he finally turned around.
Remus shook his head at him. "Honestly, Sirius, you really have to have some faith in him. Remember, James? Do you really think he'd like it if you gave his son such a hard time?" he asked Sirius quietly.
"That's my daughter, so I think what I'm doing is pretty fair. Harry and I have come to an understanding," said Sirius.
"What kind of understanding?"
"None of your business."
"Aw…I think it is. She's my goddaughter."
"Let's go and check the security, Remus."
Remus laughed as they walked out of the common room. Fiona watched her father leave and looked at the papers in front of her. Harry was writing something on a piece of parchment, which he slid over to her. "What does it say?" she asked.
"Read it," he said with a shrug.
Fiona read the parchment paper and laughed. She wrote something and passed it back to him. He read it and shook his head. He wrote another note on it and passed it back to her. They continued doing that for fifteen minutes, while everyone else was working.
The portrait opened again. This time Draco, Ryu Ran, and Rufus walked in. They looked around and spotted Harry and Fiona in the corner. "There you are, Milord," said Rufus as he walked up to them.
"What's going on?" asked Harry.
"I will take over your sword training. You and Young Malfoy will be sparring today. It was suggested by Sensei Ran, Sire," answered Rufus.
"I thought you were going to do it, Sensei Ran," said Fiona.
"My task is to prepare you. You can stop trying to catch up on the Merlinian magic. It is time you learn to control your Avalonian magic," said Sensei Ran.
Harry sighed. "Very well. I suppose since we can't play Quidditch. I have to catch up on my work. What time?"
"Anytime you wish, Sire," said Rufus.
Harry looked around him. He had a lot of work to catch up on. "What about you, Malfoy?" he asked.
"I've got to start with the Avalonian magic and keep up with my work from Professor Snape. But seeing as I'll be transferring out, I don't have much to worry about. I should be done by three," answered Draco.
"Fine, I'll duel with you by three," agreed Harry. "Is there anything else?"
"No, Sire. Is there something you wish me to do?" asked Rufus.
"Nope," said Harry as he looked down at his work.
"All right. Now that's been settled. Fiona. Draco. Let's go," said Sensei Ran. This caught Harry's attention again. He looked up.
"Wait," he said.
"What's wrong, Potter?" asked Draco with a smirk, knowing exactly what was bothering him.
"How dare you address the King like that!" exclaimed Rufus angrily.
Everyone had been listening and watching the entire thing. Harry stood up. "It's all right, Rufus. I don't care, Malfoy," he announced as he sat back down.
"I'll be back later," said Fiona quietly. "Come on, Draco." Harry watched them leave. Ron and Hermione came over to him and smiled.
"Are you okay?" asked Hermione.
"I'm fine," answered Harry.
"Don't worry about her and the Ferret," said Ron.
"Why would I care?" asked Harry.
Professor McGonagall was listening to them, while everyone else went back to work. She shook her head slightly and smiled just a little bit. She remembered James Potter and Lily Evans so well. It was really no big surprise to Professor McGonagall that they had managed to produce a king. She was more surprised that Sirius Black could produce such a sweet daughter. Both children were better behaved compared to their fathers. For a brief moment, Professor McGonagall had thought that Harry was going to do something to Draco.
"Actually, didn't she say she was going to stay with her father anyway?" asked Ron.
Harry nodded glumly. He really didn't want Fiona hanging around Draco. That was the only lapse in her judgment he questioned. Why did she have to have the Ferret as her best friend?
"And Malfoy is going to Avalon for training," said Hermione.
"So, buck up," said Ron. "You're here and he'll be over there. He's just going to be another Avalonian lackey, while you're the king of the Merlinians."
Harry was listening to them, but it wasn't really registering. The choice was still up to Fiona. He remembered how much time they had spent in Avalon together. He still couldn't read her, while Draco could tell what was on her mind so well. Avalonian magic was more powerful than Merlinian magic.
"Draco's powers will be stronger after he trains in Avalon. He will be able to command the four elements," said Harry.
"What about you, Harry?" asked Hermione. She was intrigued by the idea of different kinds o of magic. It all sounded very scientific to her.
"My powers are Earth magic. Apparently, I have the strongest form of Earth magic among the Merlinians," answered Harry. "I don't know if it's true, but I've been feeling strangely ever since I got the sword."
"What does Earth magic do again?" asked Ron.
"It can generate life itself among other things," answered Harry.
"What other things?" asked Hermione.
"I think I can cause earthquakes now," replied Harry.
"Let's not test it indoors," suggested Ron nervously. "But, it's still pretty wicked."
Harry smiled a little bit. It made him feel more relaxed. He didn't like the idea of them wasting time now, but he knew that neither him nor Fiona were prepared to fight Voldemort. He looked out the window.
The sky was gray outside. It looked like another storm was coming.
*
Voldemort was pacing up and down his chambers. He was once again alone in his great stronghold in the Moors. It wasn't too far away from the cold sea. This was the place where it all began. He'd learned the last of his tricks and spells to come after those who would destroy him.
He wasn't really alone. No. He was hardly ever alone. She would not leave him alone. "You must be very proud of yourself, Father," said Thalia.
"Go away!" ordered Voldemort.
"You've been saying that for a while now. I will not leave until it is done," said Thalia as she smiled sweetly at him. "My, my, my. It is too quiet. It feels like a storm is brewing, doesn't it, Father?"
"Why must I be cursed with a child who continues to defy me, even after death?" asked Voldemort out loud.
"You've said that before, Father. Why do you insist upon repeating these conversations?" asked Thalia.
"Why don't you go and haunt your mother for a while?"
"No. It's so much more interesting to be with you, Father. After all, you raised me."
"I regret it."
"That makes two of us, Father."
Voldemort turned away from her. He couldn't stand her. She kept haunting him over and over again. He wanted her to vanish. Every time she spoke, he could still remember how warm she still was when he closed her lids after he had murdered her. He would have not bothered to do that for any of his other victims, but she was still a part of him.
Voldemort was proud of his many achievements, but no achievement brought him more pride than Thalia. She was supposed to be his masterpiece and his living legacy to the world. He wanted to reshape the world for her. It would be free of anyone who threatened to harm her, but instead, she threw his generosity back at his face. What an ungrateful child he had had. The world he had envisioned was one free of powerless Muggles and foolish wizards.
Once again Voldemort was gaining ground. The death toll on the other side was rising with each passing day. The Death Eaters' attacks were intense and relentless. With each attack, they gained confidence.
A Death Eater was waiting for him at the door. Thalia was gesturing towards him, but no one else could see her, but Voldemort. "What is it?" demanded Voldemort.
The Death Eater stepped forward and bowed. "Milord, more news has arrived. The Illuminati have locked down Hogwarts. Word from Hogsmeade, speaks off the return of Albus Dumbledore."
"Any idea as to where that old fool went?" asked Voldemort.
"No, sir. Reports are still coming in. There is more, Milord. A letter was sent to the Ministry of Magic by Severus Snape. Milord, he has been working on their side all long. He has betrayed us." The Death Eater looked fearfully at him.
Voldemort's thin lips curved into a smile. "It was only a matter of time before he showed himself. Never mind. He will be deal with later. What was in the letter?"
"The letter was sent to the Minister of Magic directly. Our spies have not been able to read it. The spies that were caught have been disposed off by the Ministry."
"Find out what the letter says," ordered Voldemort.
"Yes, Milord."
"You're dismissed!"
The Death Eater made a quick escape as Voldemort started pacing again. He looked at Thalia who was staring at him. "Father, you should learn to relax. Or you'll be dead on your feet before you know it," she told him with mock concern.
"Why don't you go and torment your husband?"
"Why would I torment someone I love?"
"Damn you," said Voldemort as he pointlessly went to slap her. It was no use because he simply went through her ghostly form.
"This world was supposed to be for you. I was changing the world to make it a better place. Free of Muggles. Free of weaklings. You are the fool. Just another person added to the many who have failed before you, Thalia. No one will win against me."
"Then, why do you look afraid?" she asked.
*
Three Knights of the Illuminati waited for word from the leader, Rufus Chambers. They were sharpening their swords and practicing their curses and hexes, while the others were outside discussing with Sirius, Remus, and Severus. They were an elite group of wizards who had trained for years and years to gain their statuses as knights.
Their purpose was to wait until the High King returned and rebuild the magical kingdom of Camelot. They longed to herald a gold age again, but too much darkness had settled in. Some of them had begun to lose hope.
"The young king is a sturdy lad," said Sir Faust as he sharpened his sword.
"But, he is still young," said Sir David.
"So was the last High King when he first started," intoned Sir Samuel.
"I hear he comes from good Auror stock. His father was a great wizard and his mother was a wondrous witch," said Sir Faust.
"Aye. What about the other child? The girl?" asked Sir Samuel.
"Her father is Sirius Black. A man worthy of the Illuminati. Truly, a wizard with great intelligence and power," replied Sir Faust.
"I can imagine out King fighting Voldemort, but can the girl be trusted with the task?" asked Sir David. "Voldemort is her grandfather and she is a delicate child."
"Yes, she is. But the King wishes her to be his queen," said Sir Rufus as he entered the room. "He is very taken with the young mistress. Our King would not appreciate you not showing any respect towards her."
"Is he not a bit young to think about such things, Sir Rufus?" asked Sir David.
"They are bound to each other by powers greater than either possess. Perhaps a proposal to her father would be best," said Rufus thoughtfully.
"Lord Black is already the King's guardian," reminded Sir Faust.
"That makes things so much easier," said Sir Rufus. "Our duty is to the king. It is important to insure his happiness and needs."
"Lady Fiona belongs to Avalon. She is above Merlinians in power. Her grandmother is the Lady of the Lake," said Sir David.
"I also think, judging by our King's personality, he will not appreciate our interference in such matters," added Sir Samuel.
"In what matters?" asked Sirius as he entered the room.
"Lord Black," said Rufus with a quick bow.
"That is not necessary. Please. I've lived for a long time without such formalities. I would rather not go through the trouble of remembering them again," said Sirius. "Rufus, I heard that you would be taking over Harry's sword training."
"Yes, Black. Sensei Ran has taken your daughter along with his other student for more training in Avalonian magic," Rufus informed him. He had great respect for this man. There was no one as strong. He had survived being imprisoned in Azkaban without losing his mind. Rufus also knew the reputation of the Blacks.
"I understand," said Sirius with a nod. He could feel a tingle through his veins. It was building up. It was fear. He had gone out of his way to insure his daughter's safety. "We must prepare for the attack upon Voldemort's stronghold."
"I am the only one here who knows where it is," said Severus. "There is no doubt that security has been increased. It will be difficult to get into the castle. I just walked Thalia out before."
"The fiend will get what he deserves. Murdering so many people. He murdered his own child. That is an unforgivable sin indeed," said Rufus grimly.
Sirius' resolve came back. He had a choice. Avenge the death of his wife and only true love, or protect his daughter. The choice was out of his hands. Fiona had already decided. She was truly a force to be reckoned with. Sirius predicted that Fiona would be just as powerful as her grandmother. Years and years of breeding made sure of that.
"Sirius, I know that you don't want anything happening to Fiona and Harry, but it's out of our hands," said Remus as if reading his thoughts.
"They're not ready. We'll only get one shot at this, Remus," said Sirius.
"Then we'd better make it a good one. For all our sakes. Because if Voldemort uses the Killing Curse on them and absorbs their powers, there will be nothing to save us," said Severus. "Nothing."
AN: Sorry for such a short chapter. I've been so sick. So very sick. I've not only missed writing, but my school work's pretty much shot. I'm building up towards the final attack. Basically, I'm setting up all the players on the board and getting ready for the last movement. Voldemort continues to have his conversations with Thalia, and it's part of a set up for the end. The Knights are the latest players in the game, while we prep up for the end. I've left a few things open like Harry's scar. As a reviewer asked, it was done on purpose. My theory is that the scar will only fade once Voldemort is gone.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. ^^