Unraveled
Chapter Thirty-Eight: Promises
Arabella Figg met with the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge just before the final mission's launching. "I see. So it is true? Harry Potter is our king," said Fudge at the end.
"Yes. The daughter of Sirius Black will also be involved in this final strike against the Death Eaters and Voldemort," said Arabella, but she ignored the shudder that Fudge made when she spoke Voldemort's name.
"Can she be trusted?" asked Fudge. "She's just a little girl."
"She's nearly fourteen years old," said Arabella as she concealed her annoyance.
"Yes, but she's also the granddaughter of that evil fiend," insisted the minister.
"Yes, but she is also a victim of his malice," she quickly remained him.
He cleared his throat and changed the topic, "You are to return to the school. You are the voice of the Ministry of Magic of Great Britain to the King. Please inform him that we will assist him as much as he requires."
"Very well," said Arabella with a nod as she stood up and went to take the Floo Powder network to the school. Fleur Delacour was sent back to France to speak with the new Minister of Magic there as a representative of the High King.
Arabella stepped out of the fireplace at the Three Broomsticks. The small settlement was very quiet. She realized that most of the world didn't know about the king being at the school. They had no idea that the fate of the world rested on the shoulders of a young king. He was only half of the puzzle. The other half was a girl who still had no idea how much strength she had.
She walked up to the castle to find everyone gathered at the school. Harry took his seat at the Gryffindor table with Fiona across from him. He had refused to take Professor Dumbledore's place at the head table. Arabella smiled because he looked so much like his father. She glanced at Fiona who was sitting next to Sirius.
"Why are we all so quiet? I bring word from the Minister of Magic," announced Arabella. "It's like you're having a last meal."
"Ah, welcome back Professor Figg," said Professsor Dumbledore.
"The words I bring are for the King," continued Arabella as she walked up to Harry. She curtseyed for him. It wasn't the first time he had people bowing before him, but he still looked very uncomfortable.
"What did Minister Fudge have to say?" asked Harry.
"He says that whatever the Order of the Phoenix and your majesty has planned for the attack will be backed up by the people of Great Britain. Word from the other ministries has come in. They have unanimously agreed. Then again, you are the High King. They cannot refuse your orders," said Arabella.
Harry looked at her strangely and turned his attention to Fiona. "We are as ready as we will ever be," he said softly.
Fiona nodded in agreement. Everyone had been treating her different. They treated her with a certain amount of reverence not because she was destined to be their queen, but because of the power she possessed. She was treated like her grandmother, the high priestess of Avalon. She carried herself with the same grace and poise as Lady Desdemona.
"Then tomorrow we start the attack," said Professor Dumbledore. "We have gathered like this because this maybe the last time we have together. For now, let us enjoy each other's company."
*
Voldemort read the reports that were intercepted. The High King was Harry Potter. It came almost as no surprise to him. It explained how he was able to survive the attack on his parents before. Voldemort had killed many wizards to gain their powers. He had gained the powers of James and Lily Potter, but not their son's. The boy had too much latent magic in him.
The other parts of the report did not sit well with Voldemort. If Harry Potter had the sword, then he had gone to Avalon. Damn her. Damn that meddlesome Desdemona. Yet another member of his family who stood in his way. He thought he had been rid of her.
"Worried, Father?" asked Thalia as she hovered near him. He turned and faced her.
"You are worsen than your mother," he told her. "She is a fool. She does not know that the powers she is dealing with."
"You do know that my daughter now knows about her powers, but you do not look that concerned, Father," said Thalia.
"She's my granddaughter. My blood flows through her veins. I know what to do with her," said Voldemort.
"Father, I pity you," whispered Thalia as she shook her head. "You are spiraling towards your own destruction. But at least you won't go alone." She whirled into the air and vanished.
Voldemort walked out of the room and kept going until he reached another room nearby. He was in the living quarters of his great stronghold. The living quarters were located in the middle of the stronghold and there was a great maze that lead to it. There was a dense forest with a great sea on the other side with jagged rocks that were sharpened by the water pounding against them.
The room he had stopped in was the room that belonged to Thalia. It was first a nursery then it was changed as she aged to reflect her growth. He had devoted a lot of time and energy to her. Voldemort was abandoned as a child, even before he was born, so he had given so much to his only child.
No one knew about his love for her. Not even Thalia could understand that. However, it only extend so far. Voldemort had aspirations for his child and nothing could make up for the great disappointment Thalia had caused him.
This room was kept as it was. This room would be for his granddaughter. His hold on the world would rise again. His granddaughter was the symbol of that. She was the next one in line to rule his empire. He disposed of his daughter because she had reproduced and became of no use to him.
*
The sun rose slowly over the castle as Fiona took a deep breath. She wanted to remember the sunrise. She wrapped her cloak around her arms. She looked at the crystal and put her hand over it. She had no idea that someone had spent her time watching her during the evening and onto the early morning.
Thalia watched her and smiled. She saw someone approaching, but no one could see her. "Fiona, I thought you'd be here," said Draco as he walked up to her.
"Are you coming with us, Draco?" asked Fiona.
He shook his head. "As a novice in Avalon, I cannot get involved directly. That's what Sensei Ran said. Avalon's already done its part. The rest is up to you and Potter."
"When I see you again, you'll have those markings on your head like Sensei," said Fiona with a smile. "I know I haven't been very supportive. And I've been very selfish lately about you leaving. But, I'm proud of you for taking a chance like that. I didn't have much of a choice because it's a part of my destiny, but you did. You're brave enough to take a chance like that."
"I am not afraid of the future, Fin, because there's nothing anyone can do, but face it. You have been brave yourself. How could I do anything less?" asked Draco as he gave her a smile. "I'll get my markings after the induction ceremony on Avalon. Would you like to come after this is done?"
"Yes, I would," she answered.
"Do you promise?" he asked.
"I promise. I wouldn't miss it for the world." Draco believed Fiona. She always stood by her promises.
Thalia watched them as they stood quietly for a while. She nearly laughed when she saw Harry Potter walk in. He didn't look that happy to see them. "What are you two doing up here alone?" he asked suspiciously.
"Nothing, Potter. You'd better take care of her when you leave today. Otherwise, you'll have to answer to me," warned Draco as he left.
Harry looked at her and smiled sheepishly. "Okay," he said.
"You need to work on your insecurities. You look adorable, but you really need to work on that," said Fiona.
"How about a morning kiss for some reassurance?" he asked.
She smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek. "Come on, you can do better than that," insisted Harry.
"I don't think so," said Fiona as she shook her head. "I made Draco a promise."
"What?"
She looked off into the distance. "I promised him that I would attend his induction ceremony into Avalon. Will you help me keep my promise?" Harry was the person she was sure she was going to be with, but she didn't want to abandon her best friend. Fiona needed Harry's help to keep her promise to Draco.
"Yes, of course, I will," said Harry. "Even though I don't like Malfoy. I suppose it's better that he's out of my hair."
"That's hard to do, considering your hair," laughed Fiona as she ruffled his raven locks. He laughed.
"Let's go and get some breakfast," he told her. They walked down to breakfast. Halfway there Harry took a hold of her hand, but he had to quickly drop it when he saw her father approaching them. "Good morning Harry. Fiona," said Sirius as he smiled at them because he had seen Harry holding Fiona's hand.
"Good morning Sirius. Looks like a good day," said Harry uncomfortably.
"Good morning to you, Your Majesty," said Rufus Chambers. "Professor Dumbledore will make the announcements for the final attack after we have all eaten."
They all took the same positions at the tables as the previous night. Harry sat across from Fiona and both were so much more quiet than usually. Harry could feel his heartbeat pounding in his ears. Fiona was trying to keep herself calm. The breakfast was sumptuous as usually, but neither of them were eating for the taste nor were they eating because they wanted to. They were eating just for the energy.
"The attack will proceed today," said Professor Dumbledore as breakfast came to a close. Using his wand, the Headmaster produced a map for them to look at. "As you can see, there are three barriers on the sides to get to the stronghold. There are two natural barriers. The sea on one side with a waterfall along the cliffs. The next natural barrier is on the other side. The black forest which has more untold dangers than the Forbidden Forest. And finally the great labyrinth that Voldemort had constructed after his daughter left the stronghold. All three paths are dangerous, but not as dangerous as what awaits us on the inside. No Muggle can see this stronghold."
"How will we attack?" asked Fiona in a whisper.
"I am the only one here who will be able to get through the labyrinth. I made it a point to be there even though Lucius Malfoy was suspicious of me when it was built," said Severus Snape. "I will lead the team to get there. We should strike from all three sides."
"The safest route for us would be the forest," spoke up Harry thoughtfully. "The sea has rocks in it. Voldemort would most likely be waiting for an attack directly from the labyrinth. Besides, the forest is the best place for me to use my earth magic."
There came excited murmurs all over the room. Rufus nodded his head in approval that his king had an agile mind, which he had inherited from both his parents. "But we don't know what's in there. It's not like I couldn't use my water magic on the sea. I haven't been able to control my earth magic that well," admitted Fiona.
"Then trust me," said Harry. She looked at him for a moment, then gave a nod.
"Very well, who will take the sea?" asked Rufus.
"I will along with half of the knights," said Sirius.
"I will join you, Sirius," said Remus.
"Then I will take the other half of the knights," agreed Severus.
"I will go with you, Potions Master," said Rufus.
"We'll take the forest," said Harry. "I think we should go by ourselves. With two teams, Voldemort will think that either team has one of us on it."
"We should take some protection with us," insisted Fiona. "What about bringing some Avalonians with us?"
"We cannot interfere," said Sensei Ran as he shook his head. "Draco and I will return to Avalon during the battle to monitor from there."
Draco scowled. He was hoping to see some action. "But, Sensei, I would rather stay in Hogwarts."
"No. The Lady of the Lake has given her orders to you. You are no longer a student of this school," Sensei Ran quickly reminded.
"What if something happens to them?" demanded Ron, deciding that he should have a say. "They could get killed before getting there. How could you just sit there, Sirius, and let them do it?"
"We haven't got much of a choice. It won't take Voldemort long to figure out that we're coming. If I am not mistaken, there is a mole in the Ministry of Magic," Percy spoke up. "There has to be otherwise the attack wouldn't have occurred so easily."
"What about us?" asked Hermione. "What can we do?"
"There are attacks occurring all over the world. We can't just sit here and do nothing. Even if they are Muggles, they don't deserve to die like this. It's even worse. They're like sitting ducks," said Ginny.
"What about Papa?" asked Fiona to Nell, referring to Dr. Lawson, Nell's father.
"I will apparate to California and check with the ministry in San Francisco," answered Nell.
"I would like to go home to my parents," said Hermione. "I don't want them to be alone without me. I know that I'm not a full witch yet, but I need to be with them."
"Ron, why don't you and your parents go to Hermione's?" suggested Harry. "We'll be fine." He took a sidelong glance at Fiona.
"Are you sure?" asked Ron as he took a hold of Hermione's hand.
"Positive," replied Harry. He didn't sound confident, but he wasn't scared either. Everyone made plans to secure and protect the other Muggles and wizards.
The few hours passed without much trouble as everyone geared up with their weapons. Sirius thought it was strange to be in this position again. This time Remus was with him. It would be the first time Sirius had ever gone into a fight without James at his side. He glanced at Harry who stood beside Fiona. He could sense the fear emitting from them.
"Bring your wands," instructed Professor Dumbledore. Harry nodded and put his wand in the holster that was added to his belt to hold his sheath and sword. Mrs. Weasley had made it.
"Why? I'll be using my other magic," said Fiona.
"The feather in your wand is from my phoenix, Fawkes. So are the feathers from Harry's and Voldemort's wand. It will serve as a defense," said Professor Dumbledore with a small smile and a twinkle in his eyes.
Everyone was outfitted with packs. The packs included a satchel that was enchanted to have food whenever it was opened. There were flasks that had a constant supply of water for the journey. The sea team had a lot gillyweed in their packs to help them breath in the water. The labyrinth team were armed with more weapons than the other team. Severus had a sword with his wand. Sirius had a sword and a dagger. All of them wore wizarding armor.
Fiona was wearing a pair of pants and high boots. Underneath her loose long sleeved shirt was a vest of wizards' armor. She had a coat over it. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail. She had decided to bring her bow and arrows.
Harry wore virtually the same thing, but had his sword at his side. His cloak was midnight blue, while hers was black. He had a pair of gloves that looked like the gloves that Muggles wore when they exercised. They only covered his palms to allow him to keep a tighter grip on his sword. His wrists were covered in gauntlets. They looked a lot like the paddings he used for Quidditch.
He wished to bring his broomstick along, but he didn't think it would be much use. So, he had entrusted it to Ron, along with the Marauders' Map. "Here. Hang on to these for me, Ron," he said.
Sirius and Remus watched the exchange.
"I don't know, Harry. I mean why don't you just leave it with the rest of your things," said Ron uncomfortably.
"No. I want you to take these," insisted Harry.
"Your treasured possessions," murmured Ron.
"That's only half. I'm taking the other half along with me," said Harry.
"What's the other two?" asked Ron. He looked at the sword. "That and what's the other thing?" He then looked behind him and saw Fiona talking to Nell. "Oh, yes. Of course. Those two I can't touch." He couldn't even laugh at his own joke.
"Until I see you again," said Harry.
"Until then," said Ron as he held out his hand. Harry took it and they shook hands. They pulled into an embrace. "Take care and come back and get your things."
"Let's go to the lake," announced Sirius as the moment passed. He remembered what it was like saying that to James before he had left to Godric's Hollow. It was almost like that, but Ron knew how serious it was.
They all trooped out to the lake. The first group to depart was Sensei Ran and Draco. Fiona seemed to have lost her voice when she tried to say goodbye to them. They smiled at her.
"Just believe you can do it," whispered Sensei Ran. "I have faith in you."
"Remember, keep your promise," said Draco solemnly as he hugged her. All Fiona could do was nod.
"May the Goddess go with you," said Sensei Ran as he placed his hand on her cheek. He touched his forehead against hers.
"May she go with all of you," added Draco as he looked at Harry.
They had to take a raft back to Avalon. The next to leave by apparating were the people leaving the castle to go into the areas where the Muggles were being attacked. The group was lead by Mr. Weasley.
"We'll find out what's been happening," said Mr. Weasley as he directly addressed Harry.
"By the way, Percy, I want you to find out who's been leaking information to Voldemort," said Harry.
"What do you want me to do to the spy?" asked Percy.
"Turn him over to the Ministry of Magic," he replied. "I won't waste my energy on a traitor." Percy nodded.
"I must get to Gringotts. There's chaos there," said Bill.
"I'll be helping with the efforts in London," said Charlie.
"Now, you keep yourself and Lady Fiona safe," said Mrs. Weasley. "Please come back."
"Yes, Mrs. Weasley," said Harry as she embraced him.
"Our family wouldn't be the same without you, Harry."
Harry faced the twins, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione. He had lost his voice, too. "Um…try not to use my broomstick too much Ron. And could you polish it? I haven't been able to lately," he said.
They all broke down and hugged him all at once. He couldn't tell who was saying what in the circle of friends he was in. "Harry, don't do anything anything stupid," managed Hermione through her tears.
"And be a gentleman with Fiona," said Ginny.
"Too bad we didn't get to finish Quidditch this year. And it's our last, but that doesn't mean we can't play during the summer," said either Fred or George.
Ron couldn't say anything at all. Mr. Weasley announced it was time to leave, so they all took portkeys back to the Burrow to travel from there.
The group going to the labyrinth made the fastest departure. Fiona hugged her godfather. Severus was taken by surprise first, but then hugged her back. "You have your mother's courage, Fiona. And your father's luck. Do not be afraid," he told her.
"Thank you for everything, Uncle Sev. Thank you for saving me and Mom before," whispered Fiona. "I never thanked you for the book. It's the first present I ever remember getting. Thank you."
"None of that was necessary. You are my goddaughter. What I do for you, I do because I loved your mother very much," said Severus.
The knights bowed to Harry and with that they were off. Lastly the group going to the sea was next, Sirius and Fiona looked at each other.
"I'll see you in the castle, Dad," whispered Fiona. "All right?"
He nodded as he reached over and embraced her tightly. "I found you once. I'll do it again," he whispered. "I love you."
"I love you, too," she whispered.
"Harry, you keep each other safe," said Remus as he embraced Harry.
"I will," said Harry, even though he had already promised that to so many people already.
"Now, Fiona, remember to stop when you need to. And if you get hurt use your Avalonian magic or use the first aid kit that Nell made for you," said Sirius. "And Harry, watch what you do to her. Don't get distracted."
"Yes, Sirius," nodded Harry.
"Very well, we're off," said Sirius. "See you inside the castle." He turned away with Remus. They walked up to the knights and got ready to go there using broomsticks. Severus' group had left apparating to the town closest to the stronghold. They took the fastest route there. Since Severus knew the way through the labyrinth, they had the best chance of getting through to the castle the fastest. However, that was not a certainty because the labyrinth could have changed and there were most likely dangers within.
Fiona looked at Harry who stared back at her. "Looks like it's time for you to go," said Professor Dumbledore.
"Come, Fiona," said Harry as he took her hand.
"Here are the portkeys," said Professor McGonagall.
"We don't need them. We'll use my air magic," said Fiona with a smile as she closed her eyes and concentrated. Their surroundings started to melt around them. It was the latest spell that Sensei Ran had taught her. One only need to use a body of water to go to Avalon, but for any other location in the world, air magic could be used. It didn't take the body apart like apparating. Instead, the environment shifted around the caster.
The surroundings cleared again. Harry looked around and saw that they were standing in the Moors. They were at the edge of the dark forest. The trees were so tall that they could barely see the towers of the stronghold.
"Unbelievable," whispered Fiona. "I can't believe my mother grew up around here."
"Shall we?" asked Harry as he offered her his arm, which she took.
"Looks like I'm off to see my grandfather," said Fiona grimly. "What do you bring the man who hates everything?"
"Simple. A sword and a crystal," replied Harry as he placed his hand on the hilt of Excalibur.
AN: My, my. Time flies when you go home for Thanksgiving break. Yes, I did notice that Hagrid has been absent from this story. Don't get me wrong, I adore Hagrid, but unfortunately I can't get his lingo right. ^^ Sorry for all you Hagrid fans. Too hard for me.
Anyway, this is the start of the final arc, so I'm sorry if this is a short chapter. I know where I was going and I know how the final battle will look like, but it was hard trying to figure out how to get there. Yes, Voldemort's a lot more complex. I keep getting ideas as I go forward, so look forward to a meeting between Fiona and Voldemort soon.
Disclaimer: I don't own Potter. Harry Potter. (Reference to the James Bond movie that I watched on Saturday with my parents).