The Hidden City
A.N. Telepathy or mind speech is shown by """" , and Elvish by italics. Phoenixus is shown by and Parseltongue by . Link speech is represented by - - this is when two or more people are linked and they can send messages down the link. The words appear like writing in their mind. Hope it's not too confusing, but if it is do mention it in your review! (An exception is the first paragraph which is a diary entry).
Part 3 – The Fallen Ones
Black clothed were they, in the garb of the west. Swift on foot and silent as death they swept through our camp. Behind they left a wake of terror and unease. Killing only those of evil heart and intent, the ones left alone, good of heart and those unsure of what they wanted. A fear and joy filled my heart, I know now it is time. And yet I wonder. How is it that two could cause such damage? They truly must be powerful, and when the Final battle begins they will wipe a large swath of the enemy away before them.
Here ends the last entry in the journal of Aglaranna, no more word since then have we heard and so the worst is assumed. Three weeks she journeyed in their world, three years has she been missing from ours. We now know our time has come. Our self-imposed exile has come to an end as the Avengers of the Night, the Angels of Death once again sweep this world.
And, so begins the tale of the third age...
Voldemort strode about the throne room of his most recent acquisition. A tense silence filled the air as those of his inner circle waited in fear of what their Lord would do.
"Well?" he snapped. "Why do you all just stand there? Why do you not tell me who did this? Forty of my best men dead! And you have nothing to tell me except that the elves they were bringing me has disappeared."
"What do you wish of us my lord?" asked a quivering Wormtail. Voldemort sighed. It took so long to hammer his words into these stupid and pitiful excuses for followers. His lip curled.
"Crucio Maximus." He said quietly, holding the unforgivable on them for a couple of minutes. "That was but a taste of your failure." He said icily as his minions picked themselves up from the floor, the bruises and cuts that covered them were only a fraction of the pain he had and would still cause.
"Find out who did this, why they did it, whether there are more of them, and bring me those elves!" he all but bellowed the last words out, causing a round of bowing and scraping before they fled.
He sighed again, deeper this time. It was getting harder and harder finding good people these days. And all because of that confounded boy! He clenched his fists, grunting in satisfaction as he punched a hole in the wall. He stared at the scarlet blood running down his pale, unblemished skin.
"Fascinating isn't it Wormtail." He purred to the only Death Eater still in his presence.
"Wha...wha...what is my Lord?" stuttered Wormtail. Voldemort ignored him, transfixed at the effect the scarlet blood made against the white marble that was his skin. Voldemort snapped out of his daze as the light of the sunset shone through the castle windows, hitting him full in the face. He turned away from the window and walked into the shadows.
"I am not to be disturbed until morning Wormtail." He said, marching out of his throne room and down the corridor.
"Where shall we find you master?" asked Wormtail, running to keep up with the Dark Lord's steps.
"You shan't, I'll find you." Voldemort said, flicking his fingers in dismissal.
"Harry." The boy in question mumbled something incoherent and turned over in his sleep. "Harry wake up!" Harry ignored the voice and frowned as he felt, something alien, something that wasn't quite right. "Harry Potter wake up immediately!" although the sentence was whispered it carried power. Harry shot up, wand in hand, looked at his watch and immediately lay back down again.
"It's two o'clock in the morning." He muttered, yawning as he pulled off his glasses. They weren't there he wasn't used to having corrected vision.
"I don't have all day you know." The voice said, Harry identified it as a female voice, no one he knew though.
"Why do you not have all day?" asked Harry, sitting up in bed reluctantly.
"Your powers are awakening." He turned, looking at the blue haired young woman sitting on his desk, her feet swinging idly.
Her amethyst eyes glittered and twinkled with silent mirth. Harry decided she was hiding something. "Why are you in my room at two in the morning, half way through the holidays? And who are you?" he asked, watching her closely as she answered his questions.
"I'm here because I've been sent to take you to the place of your training." She said. "As for who I am I am Carigana..."
"No you're not." Harry said interrupting her.
"I beg your pardon?" she seemed surprised.
"That is not your true form and Carigana is not your true name. You are here to aid me in my training though." Harry looked surprised as he said this and lowered his wand.
"You're better than he thought." She said smiling. "How did you know? None should be able to see through this visage except other ... of my standing." Harry frowned slightly.
'She could mean power or rank, I'm not quite sure yet.' He thought, before answering her question.
"Your eyes told me you were lying, your mind told me what you were lying about. You should develop better shielding for your thoughts and learn not to express things through your eyes." He said, his frown deepened. "You're an elf?" his question was more of a statement of fact than a true question. She blinked,
'What a strange boy.' She thought. 'Not even Old Wolf could have anticipated this!'
"It comes from being constantly chased by Moldievort." Harry said.
"What does?"
"My strangeness." He replied, "Who's Old Wolf?" he asked curiously. She laughed.
"You'll be meeting him soon enough." She said smiling. "And when you do you'll recognise him."
"Where are you taking me?"
"Elendiel."
"Let me guess, you're not from around these parts are ye'?" he asked, affecting a southern drawl. She laughed.
"No I'm not, do you have everything you need for next year? There will be no time to visit Diagon Alley, after leaving the Elven home."
"Yes, I got everything at the beginning of the holidays." His eyes twinkled slightly and she frowned.
'He's not telling me something.' "Good. Lets get you packed and then off we go." Harry waved his hand and books and robes started flying into his open trunk. "I thought you weren't allowed to do magic out of school?"
"We're not." She waved her hand at the various objects flying around his room as they packed themselves.
"Oh that's not magic. I'm a kinetic and telepath." He said. "Mind over matter and all." He grinned. "I'm just going to send a quick message to Dumbledore." He said, pulling a piece of parchment and a quill from a trunk. Harry let Hedwig out of her cage and told her to deliver the parchment to Dumbledore and stay at school until he got there. As Hedwig flew out the window he grabbed his broom and her cage and turned to the elf.
"What did you tell him?"
"That I won't be at the Dursley's for the rest of the summer, that Hedwig will be staying at Hogwarts and can find me if it's urgent." She nodded and held out a glowing orb. When Harry touched it the golden light surrounded them, transporting them to some unknown place.
They landed on the outskirts of a clearing, deep within the heart of the forest. "Times moves faster within the Elven home." She said, looking around her. "Much has changed in the three years I've been gone." She sighed.
"You've been away from Elendiel for three years? Why?"
"I have been searching for you. To them it seems as though I've been away for years, to me it seems like only three weeks have passed. I was taken prisoner in the first two weeks along with two of my kindred. They should be returning home about now. The last week I spent finding you."
"How were you set free?" Harry asked, she thought she caught a flicker of worry on his face, it disappeared so quickly she dismissed it.
"I do not know. I was badly injured in the battle before my capture, I am unaware of anything after that to when I was awakened by my friends. I convinced them I could safely finish the mission myself while they took news of what had happened back to the King."
'She must have power indeed. From what information I've gathered Elves back down only to those of higher degree.' Harry thought silently to himself as they walked through the glades of the forest.
He motioned for her to be silent and to stop. ""We are being watched."" The words seemed to resonate in her mind and made her jump.
""I did not know you could mind speak. How many and where?"
"Seven, two behind and right, one in front and two left. Six are like you but not. One is human and badly injured."
"How so are they not like me?"" Harry paused as if searching for the right words.
""They are full of anger and malice."
"Fallen Ones! Why are they this close to the Elven home?"
"Would you like to speak to their leader?"
"Yes please."
"Her name is Lilenth. The others are frozen in place, they will not attack. Shall I hold her magic back?"
"Until we know what they intend it would be best."" The startled elf appeared in front of them and glared menacingly at Harry and his companion.
""You know you never did tell me your name."
"My name is Aglaranna Harry.""
"Cousin, what is thy business in these woods?" Lilenth asked.
"What is thy business in these woods Fallen One?" Aglaranna countered.
"No longer may you call me that. I have rejoined the true ones."
"She lies." Said Harry, sounding surprised. Aglaranna looked at him with shock on her face.
"You understand our tongue?"
"Yes, speak it too, but I don't know how. It's as if the language has always been in my head to use, I've just never needed it before."
"Lovely as this chatter is..." Harry interrupted Lilenth and turned to face both elves.
"Her heart is evil as before, but a spark of good doth still remain. We could turn her to our cause in but a month of Elven time." Harry said, switching to elvish so Lilenth would understand him. Harry's eyes widened. "It is because of this she rescued him." He said, looking deep into Lilenth's eyes.
"Leave him be." Lilenth said strongly. "You have no idea what he has suffered, what we have suffered through him and at his hands. You have no idea what he will do to him and us when he finds out we are gone."
"I know all to well the tortures of so called Lord Voldemort and of those who follow him. I know of the suffering placed on you and many others in this world. It is for this reason I shall kill him." Harry said, his eyes flashing with anger as he glared at a far away enemy. The ice that filled his emerald eyes softened back to their normal shade as he once again looked to Lilenth. "Are there many others like you?" she nodded.
"Over half of us have seen the true side of him and wish to rejoin the light."
"It is so within his ranks." Said Aglaranna. "Half of the Death Eaters who captured us were left alive when the Angles of Death swept through our camp."
"What of those of you still loyal to him? Will they change their minds when they see the death and destruction he will bring when he discovers of your escape?" Harry asked Lilenth, mentally calculating something in his brain.
"I am not sure, the ones not highly exalted by him maybe. The ones in his inner circle? Not likely."
"How many are there in his inner circle?"
"Perhaps five, ten? I'm not sure on numbers. Ten at the most I should think."
"I suspect that of the Death Eaters, most of what there is now, excluding his inner circle will change sides. He is more likely to take his rage out on those rather than his inner circle." Harry said, sitting down on his trunk and crossing his legs.
"I have released your people. All are of like mind as you I take it?" Lilenth nodded. "I have released the walls holding back your magic. Tell them they can approach and to bring the human with them. If they attempt to use magic or attack in anyway there shall not be much of them left to lay out." Lilenth nodded and whistled some sharp and concise musical phrases into the air. Answering whistles surrounded them.
"They come and they bring the human." She said as others of her company stepped onto the path, two of them carrying the human.
"Is he conscious?" Harry asked, watching as they laid the stretcher carrying him gently to the earth.
"Barely." One of the male elves replied. Harry stood and walked to the stretcher. He placed his hand on the chest of the person. His eyelids flickered open and looked into Harry's eyes. Cold grey steel met warm emerald.
"Potter."
"Draco, your father did this to you I presume?"
"Yes. I refused to join Voldemort's ranks. I don't want to end up like my father, follower of a hollow master. I wish to rule myself, not to be ruled by others." He hissed in pain as Harry gently pressed the side of his head.
"Shall we call a truce Draco? Seeing as we'll be fighting on the same side and all."
"A truce it is then Harry." Draco said, smiling slightly before lapsing into unconsciousness.
"We need to get him to your people Aglaranna." He said quietly to her. "I have temporally slowed the bleeding, but I've found that I'm better at getting injured rather than healing injuries." He smiled slightly at a memory. "He will not last much longer. Where would it be best for us to appear?"
"Take the placement from my mind." She said, mentally drawing a picture of where they wanted to go.
"My Lord I have some news.""What is it Malfoy?" asked Voldemort, absently stroking Nagini's scales.
"My Lord, my son has vanished."
"And so what Lucius? What is so important about this?"
"He knew certain things my Lord."
"And this would be because?"
"I was preparing him for the initiation ceremony. He said he no longer wished to become a Death Eater."
"Oh he did did he?" Voldemort's eyes flashed evilly. "And why did he say that."
"He said that he didn't wish to serve someone who could be destroyed by a boy." Lucius's last words were barely above a whisper.
"He said what?!!" Voldemort roared. (He he he!! Moldievort having a temper tantrum!!) "Find him and bring him to me. He must be punished." Voldemort hissed with rage. Lucius bowed low and hurriedly exited the room.
Harry took the image form Aglaranna's mind and turned to Lilenth. "Are all those who wish to change nearby?" she nodded. "How long will it take them to reach Elendiel?"
"Two and a half hours max." she said.
"Do you speak for them?" she nodded again. "Then you'd better come with us. Is there someone you can trust to take command temporarily?"
"Esvinal here will manage." She said gesturing to the elf beside her. He looked slightly worried.
"Do not worry Esvinal, I shall vouch for you." Harry said.
"As shall I." Said Aglaranna. "When asked by the sentries say that Aglaranna vouches for you." Esvinal's eyes widened slightly at the mention of her name before bowing and hurrying off with two of the others.
"My Lady I was not aware..." started Lilenth.
"Don't worry about it. Why do you think I journey so often to the human world? I hate the attention." Harry grinned to himself.
'So my companion is an elf of high degree then.' He though silently. 'From her bearing in her natural form I would say Queen or at the very least strongly related into the bloodline of the current King. And in answer of her earlier riddle I would say those equal of her power would see through the visage.' Harry concluded his thoughts and gestured for the others to close in around the comatose Draco, now suspended in the air over Harry's trunk.
"Ready?" everyone nodded as Harry picked up his broom and Hedwig's cage. Harry concentrated and then teleported them to Elendiel.
"You should probably drop the visage." Harry said to Aglaranna. "Otherwise, how will anyone recognise you? Your majesty." Harry said, sneaking the words of power onto the end of the sentence.
"You guessed then?" she asked.
"Yes Your Majesty."
"If you call me that once more Harry, I'll start calling you..."
"What?"
"I don't know yet, but I'll think of something." Said Aglaranna, smiling as Harry laughed. "What gave me away?"
"Oh your bearing, that the only two words to fill the gap you left me at the Dursley's being power and rank. I decided on power after Lilenth and her company didn't recognise you. From the obvious respect and power your name brings, I decided that you must be the Queen or at the very least very closely related to the King."
"I see." She said. "I can also see the reason why you shall be the one to spring us from this dark-age." She laughed slightly. "Let us go quickly, for your friend's sake."
She led them along the empty pathways between the trees before stopping before a regal oak. (Get it? Regal? Ha ha, just my little crap joke!) "Can you get us up there?" she asked, pointing to the highest walkway. Harry nodded and winked as the rest of the group gasped at the speed they shot upwards before lightly landing on the boards. "This way." She said, "It is the quickest way to my quarters, I want to see how quickly it takes them to realise I'm home." Her lips quirked slightly in a smile. Aglaranna led them onto one of the smaller pathways Harry would have normally ignored if she hadn't pointed it out to them.
'Concealed by magic, she obviously doesn't want to be found by any who she hasn't met and trusts.' Harry filed the thought away in his brain. He followed at the back of the group looking at the inscription around the doorway before entering the Queen's quarters.
"You won't mind sharing with your friend Harry?" she asked, opening one of the doors that led off the main room.
"I don't but he might." He replied, "Well when he wakes up." He said, using his telekinesis to transfer Draco from the stretcher to one of the beds. "How soon before he can be attended?" Harry asked.
"Not long. I shall send for one of the healer's now." Aglaranna said, exiting the room and leaving Harry with his thoughts and Draco of course.
'I wonder how the elves will help him.' He thought, looking across at Draco's pale face.
""You could help him yourself you know Harry."" said a chorus of voices in Harry's head. He rolled his eyes.
""I'm going mad you know. Talking to voices in my head."" He replied sitting on his bed, crossing his legs and relaxing. He closed his eyes and pictured himself appearing on a blank plane within his sub-conscious. Just like they had instructed him to. Four figures appeared a young woman, a young man and two Elves, a female and a male.
""All right then, who are you?"
"You don't recognise your own flesh and blood Harry?"" the man stepped forward, bowing slightly. ""I am Bravery, this is Stealth."" He pointed to the woman next to him. ""She is Knowledge and he is Antiquity."" He pointed to the Elves in turn.
""Your names?"
"I just gave them to you."
"You gave me your titles, formalities you use to impress. They tell me about the most influential segment of you, nothing more."
"You bear wisdom beyond your years young one."" Said Knowledge, walking to Harry and laying her hand on his shoulder. The musicality of the Elven tongue seemed to light the darkest shadows of Harry's mind.
""It comes from watching friends die and whither away."" said Harry sadly, remembering the dream he'd had two weeks ago.
""The Dark One spins you lies and tales, seek not truth in these for you shall find none."" Stealth spoke, standing on the other side of Harry and placing her hand on his other shoulder. Bravery joined Stealth and put his arm around her, they were obviously a couple.
""This is true and also not, learn must I to see the plot."" Harry inclined his head to Stealth before turning to face the remaining elf.
""There is power here. And much I did not foresee."" Antiquity said.
""Truly did Aglaranna speak when saying I would know you when I saw thee, Old Wolf."" Harry said, smiling at the look that came across the face of the one who stood before him. A silver laugh rang out next to him.
""Surely you cannot be speechless Old Wolf?""" Asked Stealth. He ignored her.
""When did you see Aglaranna last?"" he asked, clearly awaiting the news eagerly.
""Why just before you joined my thoughts."
"Where are you then?"" he asked. Harry laughed.
""I am where you are but not."" He said before waving cheekily and pulling himself back to reality. He called out to Aglaranna.
"You can expect guests as soon as they figure out my riddle." He said.
"Oh and what is this riddle?" asked Aglaranna coming in with the healer. Harry's eye's twinkled with mischief.
"They asked where I was, I told them 'I am where you are but not.' And then pulled out from the conversation." He smiled and turned to the healer. "Can you help him my Lady?" he asked courteously.
"He is not yet beyond my skill young one." She smiled back at him. "Now out." She said making shooing gestures. "I must have peace to work." And with that she pushed them from the room and firmly shut the door.
"Really Harry!" she said, "You'll be lucky if you aren't already in their black books." Her eyes twinkled.
"Knowledge, Stealth and Bravery seemed to approve." Harry said, Aglaranna's eyebrow went up.
"Really? Those three hmm."
"What do you mean those three hmm?" Harry asked, raising his eyebrow to match hers.
"Oh nothing." Her mouth twitched.
"Now really Your Majesty, is there something you should be telling me?"
"What did I tell you about calling me that?!"
"And since when did I promise not to call you that, Your Majesty?"
"You didn't."
"Precisely. In answer to my question?"
"No there's nothing I have to tell you."
"Then perhaps you'd like to tell me all of their names?"
"Not really."
"But you will."
"No I won't."
"Yes you will."
"No I won't."
"Yes you will."
"No I won't."
"Yes you will."
"No I won't."
"Yes you will."
"No I won't."
"Yes you will."
"No I won't."
"Yes you will."
"No I won't."
"Yes you will."
"No I won't."
"Yes you will."
"No I won't."
"Yes you will."
"No I won't."
"No you won't."
"Yes I will." She paused. "Bugger." Harry grinned.
"So then names?" he asked as the door burst open. "Bollocks." Muttered Harry to himself, glaring at the grinning Aglaranna.
"Wondered how long it'd take you." She said not turning round. She was rather busy as she'd just accepted Harry's challenge to a staring contest.
"Hmm, me too." Said Harry, looking deeply through Aglaranna's eyes for something. He grinned and 'lost'.
"Ha, beat you!" she said triumphantly.
"So you did. Want a rematch 'Lana?" he asked.
"Of course." She said, glaring at Harry for the shortened version of her name he'd just discovered. "Should have known you were up to something."
"Indeed." Replied Harry, 'losing' again. "I believe you have some guests..." Harry paused for effect. She blinked, as he spoke to her mentally.
"Okay you little squirt, That is just too annoying. Truce?" Aglaranna asked, holding out her hand.
"Truce, for now. And I'm not so little mind you." He said shaking her hand.
"Certainly not when we're finished with you." Said one of the people by the door.
"Don't suppose you want to tell me your real names now do you?" asked Harry, bowing politely in greeting. "'Lana here was just about to when you crashed in." he said, jerking a thumb at Aglaranna.
Bravery and Knowledge hid their grins whilst Stealth grinned openly behind Old Wolf's back. He jabbed backward with an elbow and grunted in satisfaction when it didn't connect as Stealth danced nimbly out the way. She grinned again at Harry and stepped forward to speak.
"Since the others are being very discourteous." She won a glare from Knowledge.
"You know as well as I do that you are the one destined to speak Ara."
"Pish posh, I'm the only doing it because of his untimely interruption." She said, jerking her thumb at Bravery.
"That was only because you pushed me Ara." He said grumpily.
"Such an interesting topic but do you reckon we could get back to the original one?" asked Harry.
"Ah yes of course. Harry this is Gwynlilith." ""Otherwise known as Know it all or Brainbox. One of the most intelligent elves around, and boy is she annoying!"" she said to Harry. "This is Thilin." ""Otherwise known as Strongarm or Tempest."" "This is Old Wolf or as he is called by those who aren't his friends, Landvell." ""Or called Trumpy Frumpy at appropriate moments in time by myself and 'Lana."" she said grinning at Harry. "And I'm Aramina, called Ara by my friends,"
""Much worse by her enemies..."" put in Thilin, winking at Harry
"...and I'm also known as The Silver Jester." Harry's eyes gleamed.
"We'll have to exchange information." He said, grinning at the groan Thilin let out.
"You just had to pick another prankster didn't you 'Lana?" he said.
"I didn't really have a lot of choice in the matter." She said smiling as the door to the room Harry and Draco would be sharing opened. The Healer came bustling out.
"How is he?"
"Grumpy and resting." She said cheerfully. "He needs a couple of hours rest before you explain anything to him."
"How much does he know and remember?" asked Thilin.
"Not much my Lord." Harry raised an eyebrow, he'd have to quiz 'Lana later. "Shadows and faces, that of Milady here." She gestured to Aglaranna. "And also that of one called Lilenth, and another named Esvinal." She frowned. "I am not aware of ones by those names." She turned to Aglaranna. "If that is all Milady I shall return in five hours."
"That is fine Kaita, you have done me a good service."
"Thank you Milady, it was a pleasure to serve you once again." The Healer Kaita bowed and left, closing the door behind her.
"You were with the Fallen Ones Aglaranna. They have been banned from our woods for good reason." Said Gwynlilith sharply.
"Let you not forget whom you speak to, friend you may be but friends may become enemies." Said Landvell quietly, Gwynlilith blushed.
"Is that a blush 'Lil?" asked Aramina teasingly. "I thought you were beyond blushing?"
"Hush, now is not the time for your games Ara, amusing as they are." Said Thilin, his eyes twinkling. Aramina punched him lightly on the arm.
"Very funny Thilin."
'Those two would be a match for Ron and Herm.' Thought Harry, grinning as he imagined a possible shouting match between the two.
"And what is so funny he who lived?" asked the ringing tones of an Elven voice from his elbow. Harry turned to see Lilenth standing there, eyes twinkling.
"Worked it out did you? Perfect timing by the way."
"Oh?" she asked raising an eyebrow.
"Excuse me." Harry said, catching everyone's attention. "Landvell, Ara, Thilin and Gwynlilith this is Lilenth she speaks for half of the current Fallen Ones. They wish to join you. Lilenth this is Landvell, Aramina, Thilin and Gwynlilith." He introduced them and as he turned to ask 'Lana a question, something registered in the back of his mind.
Harry smiled and walked to the door, throwing it open. "May I present His Majesty King Amrothlin of the house of fountain, Lord of Elendiel and the Elven Lands and Consort to Her Majesty Queen Aglaranna of the house of leaf, Lady of Elendiel and the Elven Lands." Harry said, his arm sweeping in a grand gesture as the King approached the doorway. He looked puzzled, his hand raised as if to knock.
"Now really dear heart." Said Aglaranna. "How could you ignore such a wonderful introduction?" she asked, stepping forward to kiss his cheek as he entered the room. She introduced him to Lilenth and then turned to introduce him to Harry. "Strange." She said out loud.
"What is?"
"He was here just a minute ago." She shrugged. "Never mind, I'm sure he'll turn up. Now, let's discuss Lilenth's proposal. Everyone have a seat in the conference room." Harry grinned slightly to himself as they all seated themselves around the table. He listened into the conversation, relaxing and listening to the sound of their voices, carried to him by a convenient breeze.
2 hours later...
"Right then, so we're all agreed?" Everyone nodded. "I Amrothlin pronounce Lilenth and her people are now once again part of the Elven kingdom and under my..."
"Our dear."
Under our jurisdiction." Said Amrothlin, smiling at the reminder of the joint Kingdom under which he and Aglaranna ruled.
"I suppose my companions have apprised you of our escape?" she asked.
"Yes I would truly like to meet these two, what did you call them in your journal? Dark Angels? Are they truly evil?"
"I don't believe so." Said a voice from the door. A dark haired man stepped from the shadows, the blue highlights contrasting the black of his hair and accenting his pale skin. The pale skin of the scar on his cheek showed plainly in the bright Elven lights.
"And who are you?" asked Aglaranna, hand on her sword.
"Your Dark Angels, Avengers of the Night. Your saviours Your Majesty. My companion and I had not realised it was you that we rescued from their clutches until recent events played through." The Elvish he spoke flowed with the fluency that comes with true mastery of the tongue.
"And where is your companion?"
"She's here, she just hasn't come from the shadows yet." And with these words a tall black haired woman stepped forward, the same blue highlights and the same scar on the opposite cheek. The only difference was their eyes. Hers were a blue to match the tones in her hair. His were the colour of grey slate, sometimes lighter sometimes darker, depending on how they caught the light.
"Who are you?" repeated Lilenth.
"Yes, how is it that our sentries did not see you enter Elendiel." Asked Aglaranna.
"Because they've only just arrived via the shadows." said Harry, stepping from them.
"And how would you know that? And how precisely did they do it?" asked Amrothlin addressing the two before looking coldly at Harry.
"I knew you'd want to speak with them, and as for how they got here, they are part of me, I brought them here." Harry sat in one of the chairs surrounding the table.
"What do you mean they are part of you?" asked Thilin as the two people glided to stand behind Harry's chair. They moved like the Elves and yet they were clearly not Elven.
"My ancestors have always been a part of me." Harry paused. "Everyone has this ability, hardly anyone discovers it though." Everyone stared at the two people behind Harry.
"Your ancestors are dead..." started Aramina.
"Yes they are, doesn't stop them being a part of me."
"What exactly is this ability you speak of?" asked Gwynlilith.
"The ability to summon a guardian, a protector if you will, with the abilities of your ancestors or at least some of them. They don't resemble your ancestors but they are there, just like they are in you."
"So are they able to think by themselves? Are they sentient?"
"Yes they are, but only if you are powerful enough to make it so. Without the original input, raw magical energy, they will effectively be just puppets." Harry answered Gwynlilith's question.
"You said one person could be summoned, and yet here two stand before us." Said Landvell thoughtfully.
"I don't know how that happened." Harry said frowning.
"We can answer that." Said the two "beings" from behind Harry. Everyone stared at them, they'd spoken in complete unison.
"Allow me to introduce ourselves." Said the male. "I am Thindrid." Said the man.
"And I am Serafina." Said the woman. "Great power does our heir have. Both that which was inherited and that which is already his." Serafina continued.
"You are aware of his other responsibilities as the Heir?" Thindrid asked.
"I thought Voldemort was Heir to Slytherin?" asked Aramina.
"He was to be but now is not. This destined One Great Slytherin chose when learned did he of Voldemort's plot." Serafina answered, the musicality of her Elvish seemed to surpass even that of the Elves.
"So, why and how did you create them?" asked Amrothlin.
"When needed does the descendent have the power and knowledge to summon us from within." Said Thindrid in reply to the Kings question.
"Known are we by many names, the one you named us was but a former name from the past when once we walked this earth before." Said Serafina.
"You've been here before?" "Separately answering to different humans, I to Gryffindor and Thindrid to Slytherin." Said Serafina, Thindrid frowned.
"Kind the evil one was not he used me as he should not."
"When was this time you walked this earth?"
"But sixteen years ago was I summoned by the Stag." Harry locked eyes with Serafina.
"My father summoned you?" asked Harry.
"Yes indeed and a good an just Master was he." Said Serafina. "Thindrid's Master was unkind."
"This is true and so I left him. This is why you live today." Thindrid's grey eyes looked into Harry's emerald ones.
"So when you left Voldemort lost some of his power or what?" asked Aramina.
"He did not summon me as he ought. He was not destined to be the one and so had to place in me some of himself. When I left I took this part of him with me and so his magic failed him when he called upon his full power. When he tried to kill Harry he could not draw upon this part of him and was so destroyed in the backlash from the joining."
"Joining?"
"We were joined by my mother's sacrifice." Said Harry. "Voldemort and I are now linked even closer because he shares my blood."
"He does?" asked Gwynlilith.
"Yes." Said Harry distastefully. "You have not heard of the events of the third task of the Triwizard Tournament?"
"We have been denied contact with your world for some time." Said Amrothlin. "The only news we ever received was from Aglaranna."
"Well." Said Harry. "I was entered into the tournament by one of Voldemort's death eaters who was posing as Mad Eye Moody. Hogwarts ended up with two candidates, myself and Cedric Diggory." A tear escaped Harry's eye and Serafina placed a hand on his shoulder. He thanked her silently before continuing. "Cedric and I were tied points wise when it came to the third task and when we got to the end of the maze he said I'd won and I said he'd won and we both refused to take the cup individually so I told him to take it with me. We were port-keyed to this graveyard and Wormtail killed Cedric." Another tear rolled down Harry's cheek before being replaced with anger. "Wormtail took some blood from my left arm whilst I was tied to a tombstone," Harry rolled up his sleeve and showed them the scar that had never healed properly. "He used that, a bone from his fathers grave and his left hand to return Voldemort to his body. He's even less of a person than he was before now."
Harry paused again, took a deep breath and continued. He told them about the duel and how the shades of Voldemort's victims had emerged from the wand and spoken to him. "And that's it really. Fudge didn't believe what I said and what Dumbledore told him and is denying the return of Voldemort. I think Dumbledore's getting the Order started again. But that's just a feeling. You'd have to ask him."
"The Order of the Phoenix?" asked Landvell sharply.
"That's what Evelyn said. Fawkes told her, but I don't believe Dumbledore told Fawkes to tell Evelyn he is unaware of who I truly am."
"Who's Evelyn?"
"My war phoenix." Harry said. "She turned up one day with Scarlet around her neck. Of course I didn't know she was a war phoenix until I looked her up in a book. She'll be arriving any time now."
"And who's Scarlet?" Harry rolled up his other sleeve to reveal the red fire snake curled possessively round his wrist. He hissed softly to her. The snake's head lifted and hissed a couple of syllables in reply. "She says 'Greetings'." Harry said rolling his sleeve down again.
"You're amazingly complicated. I can see why you are destined to be the one to kill Voldemort young man." Said Amrothlin. Harry shook his head.
"That remains to be seen." He said smiling slightly at the look of shock on their faces. "Wha...what do you mean?" asked Aramina shakily. Harry frowned.
"I, am destined to cause great pain and death and it will me that will set the clock ticking, whether or not I finish it remains to be seen." Gwynlilith looked at him blankly.
"Care to explain in simple Elvish boy?" she asked sharply.
"Very well." Said Harry, "I am Death Bringer and Shadow Wielder. I might kill Voldemort. Or I might join Voldemort. I will only know when the paths become clear. I have stepped away from him twice he may or may not succeed the third time." He said slowly and sarcastically so there could be no misinterpretation of his words.
"So, let me get this straight, you're Death Bringer and Shadow Wielder, you own a War Phoenix and a fire snake, you happen to be able to speak to both of these animals and we're supposed to train you?" asked Thilin.
"And Draco." Harry said. "He's Ice Dragon. And a Necromancer." Harry added as if it was an afterthought. Everyone stared at him.
"Great, we've got the bloody Ice Dragon as well someone who could bloody well be the One but isn't sure if he is or not. Instead he and his ancestors are a living Grim Reaper and he's also the Shadow Wielder. Anything I've missed?" asked Gwynlilith.
"That he's Heir to five." Said Landvell quietly.
"He's a Seer and Psychic as well." Said Aglaranna quietly.
"Superb a seer as well." She said throwing her hands in the air, "Psychic?" she asked looking puzzled. Aramina laughed.
"So there is something you don't know!"
"One can never expect to know everything." She replied scathingly.
"Well." Said Harry. "A Psychic is someone who is either a micro-talent (that's healing by the way), a telepath, someone who can use telekinesis, someone who can teleport or an empath, they are normally trained in the field of healing and elves are naturally empathic. I can teleport, I'm a telepath and can use telekinesis. Micro talents are pretty rare. And the power of the Death Bringer and the Shadow Wielder are not passed down through blood. All other Death Bringers have been female." He said. "And we're nothing like the Grim Reaper, she takes people when they kick the bucket, WE only take people who are cheating Death, like Voldemort and all the other Dark Lords, Necromancers who are using their powers for bad and anyone else we're told to take." Harry shrugged. "That's about it."
"The Grim Reaper is a she?" asked Thilin.
"Yes. Well the one I'm familiar with is a she. I got the meaning that there's actually more than one. She's really nice. Got a great sense of humour."
"You've met the Grim Reaper and you didn't die?" asked Aramina. Harry nodded, starting to get a bit annoyed.
"Are we done? I'm sure there are other things you could be talking about. Besides I need to check on Draco." Gwynlilith opened her mouth to say something about respecting your betters when the King interrupted her, as was his right,
"Who is Draco? Besides being the Ice Dragon and a Necromancer who we are supposed to train?" everyone turned to Harry.
"He's a Slytherin who refused to become a Death Eater. In fact his father, Lucius Malfoy is one of Voldemort's inner circle and his family has a history of being Death Eaters and supporters of Dark Lords and such." Said Harry turning to Aglaranna and Amrothlin.
"With your leave your majesties?" he asked. Aglaranna looked like she was about to explode when Amrothlin nodded. Lilenth quickly stood.
"Your Majesty?" he nodded again and she hurried out to join Harry she caught him just before he slipped into their room.
"Harry." she said, he turned. "I'd like to check on the boy with you." She said speaking English for the first time, he nodded. And opened the door so she could enter with him. Draco was sitting up on the bed looking extremely grumpy when Harry entered.
"Feeling better?" he asked. Draco just continued to stare through the wall in front of him, ignoring Harry and Lilenth. Harry waved his hand in front of Draco's face. He still didn't move. Harry turned to Lilenth.
"You'll have to excuse him." He said quietly. "Death Eater's sons don't tend to be brought up very well mannered." He opened the door for her. Ignoring the red tinge that was appearing on Draco's cheeks. "Your people should have arrived now, shall we go and find them?"
"Yes I suppose I should check on them. I'm sure your friend will recover his tongue later on." She left the room, followed by Harry who quietly shut the door listening to the bang as Draco threw something at it. Harry smiled inwardly to himself before addressing Lilenth.
"Ready?" he asked she nodded gesturing for him to precede her from the room.
Serafina and Thindrid stood silently in the council room and nodded at the King and Queen before fading silently into the shadows. Amrothlin looked questionably at Aglaranna who shrugged her shoulders.
"I doubt we could keep them from going where they will." She said softly.
"Indeed." Said Landvell
"They have probably gone to follow our young guest and Lilenth, or they are following orders."
"Orders?" asked Thilin.
"I'm sure Mr. Potter can contact them in other ways than telepathically or orally. There is probably a bond that links them, like the Dark Mark links Voldemort and his follower's." Thilin, Aramina and Gwynlilith locked eyes.
"I think it might be beneficial if we followed them, discreetly of course." Said Aramina. Aglaranna chuckled quietly causing Amrothlin to glare at her for a second before giving them the go ahead. As soon as the door had shut silently behind them Aglaranna laughed out loud.
"Care to enlighten me on what you perceive as funny dear heart?" asked the King.
"I expect that Harry might give them more trouble than they anticipated." She said before rising.
"I must check on our other guest. Landvell would you care to accompany me?" the King raised an eyebrow in question. The Ancient elf councillor answered with,
"Indeed I shall, it would prove insightful to gain a pre-emptive knowledge of how he thinks." Landvell rose silently and followed the elf Queen from the room, leaving the King very confused.
Harry froze and listened to the wind for a moment. He smiled to himself and motioned to Lilenth to move into the shadows quietly.
""I'm going to weave a shadow cloak."" He told her silently.
""It might feel a bit strange."" Lilenth blinked as the shadows seemed to surround them, cutting off her vision until her elven eyesight kicked in and she could make out the path, if you could call a branch a path, they'd just been walking along. Her senses caught the impression of Gwynlilith, Aramina and Thilin coming their way, followed by two panthers. She blinked,
'there aren't any animals behind them.' Her mind told her again. She looked at Harry who seemed to be concentrating. When Gwynlilith, Aramina and Thilin had gone by Harry's concentration seemed to disappear. He smiled at her.
"Ready to continue?"
"Yes, did you see anything behind them?" she asked curiously.
"No." said Harry "Why?"
"No reason." She said. Looking at Harry she blinked as a smile seemed to appear on Harry's face for a second and then vanish. She shook her head.
'I'll have to watch this one.' She thought to herself as she lead the way to where her teams waited.
"Look stop this is pointless." Said Aramina, dragging Thilin and Gwynlilith to a halt. "We have no idea where he's going but he's certainly not in front of us."
"And how would you know?" asked Gwynlilith haughtily.
"I can't sense him anymore. Can you?"
"Sense him?"
"Yes you know, his aura has a certain sting-phtzz (A.N. the sting is obvious you now the sound that water makes when it touches something hot? That's the phtzz part!) feel to it. I could almost taste it back there as if we were gaining on him but I can't feel it anymore." Gwynlilith looked at her slightly. "So what do you suggest we do?" she frowned thinking.
"I've not experienced this "sting-phtzz" as you call it. When I sense for him all I get the impression of is pureness. In everybody the small amount of pureness or evil flows freely with its larger counterpart. But in him there's no evil at all. Just good. It is this I believe that gives him some amount of power." She looked at Thilin. "What do you get?" Thilin frowned and then shrugged.
"I can only get impressions of his abilities. And it seems each time I look there's something new, something that I missed before. If he is not the One and he has this immensity about him what will the One be like?"
Gwynlilith seemed to ponder this thought and opened her mouth. "Let me guess." Said Aramina. "You think we should go and research this." Gwynlilith nodded, "You don't need me do you?" she asked hopefully, wishfully. Before her question could be answered she walked quickly back the way they'd come. "Good, I'm glad, I guess I'll see you later. I'll just go check on Lilenth's band. Bye!" She said breaking into a run.
"Such a good idea, I think I'll accompany her." Thilin said quickly striding off. 'Lil grabbed his arm.
"No you don't, you're helping me." She said dragging him behind her. Thilin heard Aramina's laughter down their link and silently cursed her.
""Now, now Thilin, just because you weren't quick enough."
"Yes well, next time it's your turn to put up with it."
"Only if I don't get away first!"" she replied sending a kiss down the link. ""Later love. Have fun!"" Thilin grumbled to himself as he settled down to being dragged along by Gwynlilith.
Aglaranna knocked on the door and pushed it open quietly. "I have come to enquire on your well being and to ask how you are settling in Mr. Malfoy." She said as she entered closing the door behind Landvell. "I am Aglaranna and this is High Councillor Landvell. Are your quarters satisfactory?" she looked at the pale skinned young man sitting cross-legged on the bed, staring into the wall.
""It is a good thing that 'Lil and Ara didn't come. This would have infuriated them."" Aglaranna nodded in agreement to Landvell's quiet thought. She placed a hand on Draco's forehead and blinked slightly. She sat her self down next to him and slowly gathered him into her arms.
"There there child, your father can not touch you here." She said, softly stroking Draco's hair. He shuddered slightly as he buried his face in Aglaranna's shoulder. She made eye contact with Landvell and gestured for him to sit on Harry's bed.
""It seems his deepest scars are not the visible ones."
"Indeed, did you too catch the images?"
"Yes, for the boys father to do that to him is indeed a terrible thing. A caught a glimpse of something similar and worse from Harry but he hides the memories too well. I shall need your help to soothe this one. Harry's cure can only be found in his friends."
"I agree 'Lana."" Another person joined the link quietly.
""I thought you would be the one 'Lana."" Harry quietly added.
""You sensed it?"
"Yes. In my initial touch I caught a glimpse and only that. Non should have to suffer such at the hands of Voldemort's minions."" Harry left the link and Aglaranna and Landvell turned back to the problem at hand.
Aramina smiled quietly to herself as she stalked Harry and Lilenth. 'They don't know I'm here!' she thought to herself giggling quietly. 'This would be the perfect opportunity to...' she stopped as she walked straight into a solid wall. An invisible solid wall. She swore silently to herself and mentally decreed all out war on Harry.
""And how do you propose to do that if you can't follow me?"
"You forget I'm one of your trainers. I'm gonna give you hell."
"Try as you might. You might win a battle or two but I shall win the war!"" in that brief conversation with Harry the wall had come down and allowed her forward. Aramina extended her senses, searching for the sting-phtzz that identified Harry. A mental chuckle echoed in her head.
""Now really Ara. Why do you have to try so hard?"" the scenery changed around Aramina so suddenly and she found herself in a chair in the library. She groaned quietly and tried to move.
"Thought you weren't coming with us Ara." Asked Thilin. Gwynlilith turned round, her eyes flashed with anticipation as she heaved another load of books on the table.
"You can go through these, seeing as you've decided to join us." She bustled off to another section of the library. Aramina started swearing as she found herself unable to move.
"Now really dear what's the matter with you?"
"Harry." She turned her face skyward.
"Just you wait little man. You are so in trouble. I'm going to pummel you into the earth so hard you'll wish you hadn't come with 'Lana." At this point she was screaming at the ceiling. Thilin shook his head.
"What makes you think he can hear you?"
"Oh he can hear me." Her eyes glittered evilly. She turned her eyes to her Thilin. "You'll help me won't you?" she asked sweetly smiling.
"With what?" asked Thilin warily.
"Revenge." Her eyes glittered again.
"And what if I say no?"
"You'll regret it. Deeply."
Harry laughed quietly as they neared the meeting point. "What's so funny?"
Oh just a little conversation that Aramina is having with Thilin." Lilenth blinked and asked the question a different way.
"What are they discussing that you find so amusing?"
"Aramina just coerced Thilin into revenge. Against me." Lilenth shook her slightly.
"You realise that even we Rogue Elves have heard of Aramina and her 'revenge' against those who she deems have wronged her."
"What have you heard?" Lilenth shook her head.
"I can't tell you you'll have nightmares."
"They can't be any worse than the one's I have already." Lilenth looked at him sharply.
"You have nightmares?" Harry looked at her.
"When one is number one on a self titled 'Dark Lord's' hit list you have nightmares. When so named 'Dark Lord' killed your parents when you were a baby you forever dream of that moment. I dream of the third task and my failure to protect Cedric. I am unable to let my friends get too close because Voldemort will use them as hostages against me. I have no family, and never will. And to top it all off, I'm the Boy Who Lived. Famous for something I can't remember doing and the fame increases every year. And the root of the problem is Voldemort. Everything comes back to Voldemort. Everything. The countless lives he's ruined and will ruin." Harry stopped and looked at Lilenth.
'His eyes, they're, empty, lifeless.' She stopped her thoughts as she continued to look at Harry. 'His eyes are lifeless. There's no joy no happiness not even anger or pain just emptiness.'
She reached out praying someone would hear her. ""So you have seen it too. Is it not terrible Lilenth? The weight on this boy's shoulders, the pain the guilt?"
"Indeed it is Aglaranna what can we do to help him?"
"We can do nothing but to train him, to help him carry these burdens he carries. Only his friends can help him shed this guilt. I have just got through to our young guest. He is most determined to fight against the evil he so blindly followed before. He told me that Harry has visions. Of Voldemort and his meetings, every single attack Voldemort leads he sees. Every single person killed Harry sees. Harry believes it is all his fault. Because his blood was used to bring Voldemort back to life. He truly believes all these deaths are his fault."
"We cannot help him with any of this?"
"We can but teach him. We must teach him not to fight in anger. For that will turn him and Voldemort will win. We must not allow him to fight through anger even if we fail to do anything else we must not allow him to fight in anger. It will be to our undoing, it will destroy everything we've made."
"I understand, what should I do now?"
"Distract him, get him away from these thoughts."
"I understand."
"Good."
"I should warn you Aramina has declared all out war on Harry."
"Perhaps we can use this to our advantage. I shall give it some thought. Though I think that anything Aramina accomplishes will be returned threefold. We shall talk later."" as the link dissolved Lilenth shook her head in wonder that this boy before her was still standing, determined to defeat the most Powerful Dark Lord in history.
"So then. What are you going to do about Aramina?" Harry blinked and shook his head slightly.
"Ladies first." He said his face smiling slightly. Lilenth shook her head.
"I think you'll be more than a match for Aramina. How about I start your training. Surprise them." Harry's grin widened.
"I like the way you think. Lets get started." Lilenth smiled to herself.
"Come on then. Can you do that porting thing again?" Harry nodded.
"Picture the place." He said touching her arm. Lilenth concentrated on the image within her mind and she heard a quite noise as they transferred from place to place. "Well then, where do we start?" asked Harry.
"First I'll teach you hand to hand and then staff fighting. Then we'll move onto archery, knife fighting, knife throwing, and then sword work and if there's time axe fighting." Harry blinked and then nodded.
"I've gone over the basics but my instructors concentrated more on my magic than physical fighting." Lilenth nodded.
"Let's begin. I'm going to transfer my knowledge of hand to hand to you so we can get started right away." Harry nodded as she placed a hand on his forehead and muttered a spell. His eyelids flickered as his brain absorbed the information. Lilenth grinned as he opened his eyes.
"I know kung fu." He said grinning.
"And a load of other martial arts." His eyes twinkled.
"I've always wanted to say that." He grinned at Lilenth. "Lets go." He said. She nodded and took a fighting stance.
'This is good.' She thought to herself as he launched into the attack. 'He has life in his eyes again.' Harry took a flying leap over her and Lilenth span to find him gone. 'Where did he go?' she extended her senses. "Found you!" she said, smiling to herself flipping backwards to land beside a tree. Her mouth fell open as a branch wrapped around her foot and lifted her off the ground. She crossed her arms and a grinning Harry appeared before her.
"Gotcha!" he said his grin spreading. Lilenth raised an eyebrow.
"How did you take to it that quickly?" she asked.
"The Way of the Warrior is a principle part of myself." He shrugged. "I also have the memories and abilities of my ancestors to draw on." Lilenth's mouth dropped again. "You should probably close your mouth if you don't want to start eating flies." Harry said. Lilenth's mouth snapped shut.
"Okay you win that one. If you're going to take so quickly to all of this I might as well transfer everything now. And watch you struggle through the information overload." She grinned at him and he nodded. The tree placed her on the ground and Harry floated down. She placed a hand on his forehead and transferred the rest of her knowledge across. Harry sank down to the ground and relaxed into a meditative pose. She smiled down at him.
'He takes in knowledge like a tree takes in water.'
""I'm glad to see you've found a way to distract him Lilenth."
"So am I. The rate he learns at is incredible. I suspect he's already way past me."
"We shall have to find new challenges for him. What exactly have you given him?"
"Everything I know about fighting, healing, Elven lore and magic, hell even everything I know of war, strategies, defence, attacks. Do you think I've given too much?"
"No. I'll get together everyone I can for a transferral. Is he eager to learn?"
"Yes."
"I thought as much. Very well, I'll gather everyone for the mass transferral. Then we'll see how he can use everything we give him. Continue as you have begun."
"I will Your Majesty."
"You too may call me 'Lana."
"Thank you."
"No, thank you. You've made firm friends with him Lilenth. Let's not lose him."" Lilenth thought over the conversation and smiled inwardly.
"What are you smiling about?" asked Harry.
"Oh just how surprised Aramina'll be when you kick her ass." She grinned evilly. Harry returned the grin.
"Well then. Let's surprise her even more. Seeing as you've imparted all that knowledge onto me. Lets put it to test." He whispered something in her ear. She nodded.
"Come, Esvinal will help." She led the way through the trees. Laughing inside.
Aramina groaned. "Can't I go yet? This is sooooooooo boring." She whined to Gwynlilith.
"Go then. It's not as if you're helping." Aramina brightened instantly and was out the door in a flash.
"You do know you've just doomed Harry." Said Thilin to Gwynlilith. She shook her head smiling.
"Harry is more than capable of dealing with Ara'. If the information I've found is correct." Thilin raised an eyebrow.
"Do tell." 'Lil laughed.
"You knew James and Lily. Right?" he nodded.
"So?"
"They were the leaders of the Marauders and the Vixens right?" he nodded again.
"Your point?"
"The Marauders are well known for their mischief making, the Vixens not so well known, but anyone that went to school with them will know. Harry's their son and friends with the Weasley twins. They're said to be the best pranksters since the Marauders and the Vixens. I asked my mum's cousin's sister's daughter for their files. She works at Hogwarts." She heaved two piles of files on the table. "This is the Weasley twins, and this is Harry's. Not really that much size difference when you consider he's two years behind them."
"And this has what to do with his magical abilities?"
"Nothing really. I just want to see how well Ara' can be beat. Anyway this is his ministry file." Thilin blinked.
"I won't even ask how you got that."
"A friend of a friend owed me a favour. Anyway, do you know that Harry's been capable of wandless magic throughout his life? Not just the normal magic that'll show you if a child's magical. But continuously. And not when he's been angry either. There was an incident when he was eleven, he made some glass vanish at a zoo to free a snake and then made it reappear again with his cousin shut inside." Thilin stared at her.
"So why did you tell me all this stuff about Lily and James and everything?"
"Because, can you image the stuff they'll have told him about what they did at Hogwarts? And the Weasley's are starting up their own jokeshop. They invent their own stuff. Oh I can't wait to see Ara' get creamed." Her eyes sparkled. And Thilin shook his head.
"You really are the limit. You know that? I better go find Ara. There's no knowing what she's getting up to."
"I'll come too. Let me just dump this off at mine." Thilin nodded and scooped up half of the files.
"Lets go then." 'Lil nodded and led the way out of the library, two piles of books floating infront of her and the rest of the files in her arms.
"So then. Will you help?" Harry asked. Standing in front of Esvinal with his arms crossed.
"Let me get this straight you want us to attack you to see how well you've sorted the knowledge Lilenth streamed you?" Harry nodded. "How many?"
"Start with three and work up by adding when I yell." Said Lilenth. Harry nodded.
"Right then. What we fighting with?" Lilenth looked at Harry.
"I won't drop you into the deep end yet, so we'll start hand to hand and then I'll yell out a weapon and you've got to get one. 'kay?" Harry nodded.
"Right. I'll ref then. Lets get it on." Three Elven warriors surrounded Harry. "Begin!" they fell to blows immediately and it wasn't long before Harry started to get the upper hand. "Five." Five more warriors joined the fight. Harry flipped up and over and watched two of them narrowly avoid running into each other. He landed and rolled under an attack and had just kicked one elf into another when Lilenth yelled. "Staffs!" Harry swore and sprang into the air, summoning his staff to him. There was a crackling sound as energy tore through the clearing. He hit the ground and 'tapped' three elves around the head, sending them sprawling. "Six." More warriors entered the fray, burying Harry under a pile of bodies. He took a deep breath and blew. Suddenly there was a whirling vortex around Harry and all the warriors were blown into trees where branches held them.
"Company charge! Any weapon!" Harry grinned and sat in the centre of the clearing. Weaving an elemental shield around him he sat and watched their charge. "Cheating Harry?"
"You said nothing about not using magic."
"And I said nothing about using it either. I thought we were supposed to be testing your weapons skills?"
"Okay then." Harry stood up, taking a deep breath and vanishing from view to be replaced by six Harry's.
"I'm over here!"
"No. I'm over here."
"I'm the real Harry."
"Can't you tell I'm the real Harry?" Harry chuckled to himself and set off to find Serafina and Thindrid.
Aramina peaked around the door that belonged to Harry's room. It was empty. She giggled to herself and entered the room, swinging the door shut behind her she silently got to work. Half and hour later she left the room, not noticing the silent grey passenger that had attached to the back of her belt. She giggled even harder before she ran into Thilin.
"Oops. Sorry love." She said, holding out a hand to help him off the floor.
"What have you done now?" he asked. "You've got that nervous hyper feel about you."
"I've not done anything yet." She said smiling sweetly. "Let's go find 'Lana." She grabbed his hand and dragged him out the door.
- Sera? – Harry sent the message along the bond they shared.
- Here. Thindrid is coming. – Harry nodded and ported to her position.
"Whatcha learn?"
"Aramina has declared all out war on you." Harry nodded.
"Gwynlilith and Thilin have gathered some books but have found nothing yet and Gwynlilith has your file from the Ministry and Hogwarts and also the Weasley twin's Hogwarts files." Harry looked thoughtful.
"Did she say what she wants with them?" Serafina shook her head.
"Not what she wants with them. Although she seemed pleased that a Marauder's and a Vixen's son would be here to challenge Aramina." Harry nodded.
"Thanks Serafina. Thindrid what about you?" Thindrid grinned as he slipped into the shadows.
"She went straight to your room after leaving the library. Set up some pranks. I activated one of the taggers and put it on her belt. She and Thilin are now looking for Aglaranna." Harry nodded.
"Have either of you seen Selena?" they shook their heads.
"She's probably having some fun on the way." Said Serafina. Harry nodded.
"Keep an eye out for her would you. I've got a fight to finish. And be careful. Lilenth saw you earlier." They nodded and slunk away in panther form, leaving Harry to get back to the fight.
"You know this is really amusing." Said Harry as he engaged Lilenth sword on sword.
"Oh? Do you know how annoying those things are?" she asked. Harry grinned looking around at the thirty or so Harry's that were fighting other of Lilenth's company.
"Good aren't they?"
"They double everytime you 'kill' one." She growled.
"I know. Isn't it fab!" Lilenth scowled at him and smacked him along the ribs with the flat of the blade. He returned the favour pulling out a throwing star and sending it whizzing through three Harries. Lilenth blinked as they doubled into six and surrounded her. The real Harry flipped his sword away and pulled the staff from its sling. He swung it into position one and waited for three of the warriors to attack him.
He dispatched each one with a blow to the solar plexus and then swept the feet out from under five before launching in to attack the next group that charged at him. Soon all that was left was Harry, Lilenth, Esvinal and two others Serrothlin, a cousin of the King, and Sabriel, Lilenth's best friend. Sabriel and Serrothlin bowed and lay themselves at Harry's feet, staffs in front of them. The Warriors oath of loyalty.
"You would give the Warriors Oath to a stranger in your lands?"
"Hardly stranger to the elves Lord Phoenix and cousin." Serrothlin spoke.
"Indeed. Will you except our Oath?"
"Glad am I to receive your oaths. Rise comrades." Serrothlin and Sabriel rose and Harry gave each a hug and a kiss on each cheek. "My road is not always easy. But with warriors such as you at my side it will be easier." They nodded and smiled at him. Falling half a step behind him as custom dictated. Harry turned to the rest of the company.
"I thank you for the opportunity you gave me this day to train my abilities."
"It was an honour to suffer defeat at your hands Lord Phoenix." One elf spoke. The others nodded in assent. And as one all knelt as had Sabriel and Serrothlin.
"To you we offer our Oath. Will you take us to your service?" Harry laughed.
"Gladly will I take thee cousins. Rise." Harry once again hugged each one and granted the kiss on each cheek as custom stood once it now stood again.
"I'll warn you now. Aramina the Silver Jester has declared all out war on me. I plan to beat her but I felt it fair to warn you." The elves laughed and Harry turned to Lilenth and Esvinal. Lilenth had a smile on her lips.
"Never before has such been done." She said quietly. "I'm glad that it is you who have done so. Will you also mend the friendships between elf and human?" Harry grinned.
"Give me time." Lilenth laughed out loud. She looked to Esvinal who grinned and nodded. They both knelt. "You have Gold Company, it seems only fair you have her CO and XO as well. Will you take our oath?"
"Indeed. Rise comrades." Harry went through the ritual again and then turned to Lilenth. "So, what do you plan to do now?"
"We are your appointed guardians. Two must be with you always. A rota will be set. To start, Serrothlin and Sabriel. Seeing as they were the first." She grinned at both of them and they grinned back.
""Harry. Where are you?"
"Coming 'Lana. Where are you?"
"At the hall. Lilenth will guide you."
"There in a tick."
"Tick."
"Ha ha 'Lana. Is Aramina there?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Never mind. I'm going to swing by mine first. How's Draco?"
"Better. He wants to give you a piece of his mind."
"Is that so? Be there soonest.""
"'Lana wants us." He said to Lilenth. She nodded.
"Where?"
"The hall. I want to go back to my room first though. I've got something to do." She nodded.
"Meet you there. Serrothlin, Sabriel, stick to him like glue. He's a wormy one."
"Yes Sah!" they saluted Lilenth and followed Harry along the branches.
"Right. Let's get some ground rules set. No Sahs, Lord Phoenixes, whatever. Okay. I'm Harry and I'd like you to call me that okay?" they nodded grinning. "You can tell the rest of Gold Company as well." They nodded. "Wait here. I'll just be a minute." He said slipping into his room. His shield swished into place as a bombardment of spells shot at him to be absorbed by the shield. He chuckled to himself and slid his weapons into the section of his new trunk set for them. He checked that each was securely fastened in and he selected his favourite set of knives and tucked them into their hiding places before shutting the trunk and leaving the room.
"All set, lets go." He led the way outside where he found a surprised Lilenth cornered by a tigress. "Selena! How many times do I have to tell you. Stop tormenting my friends!" The tigress opened her jaw in what could be a grin and stepped towards Harry regarding him with a careful eye before placing her paws on his shoulders and giving his face a lick. "How many times do I have to tell you? Don't lick my face!"
""It was dirty.""
"Next time tell me. Do you really want to be pink again? Selena growled.
"No you don't. I warned you not to play with that letter didn't I?"
""Perhaps I should start listening to you. You are wise for being such a young pup.""
"You're not that old yourself. Now behave. Although..."
"Harry. I wouldn't she'll kill you." Said Lilenth.
"No she won't. Besides, it's just a little fun." He grinned evilly. "You are allowed to scare Aramina once."
""How can I scare her if I don't know what she looks like?"" Harry pushed her an image and Selena dropped her jaw again in her grin. ""Done.""
"What took you so long to get here?"
""I stopped for some fun after delivering your letter. I don't know why you can't use that smelly bird of yours."" she wrinkled her nose.
/I heard that you giant furball./ trilled Evelyn as she landed on Harry's shoulder.
I think that both of you are too noisssy and are dissturbing my napsss. Scarlet put in.
/Hush you. You're no better/
""I like the little red one. Don't push your luck harpy.""
/Harpy!! Are you blind and deaf as well as stupid??/
"Quiet all of you. I thought we'd agreed no more fights. Sheesh you're like Snape and Sirius."
You'd compare me to the greassy one? That'sss not fair. Harry laughed.
"I meant Selena and Evelyn more than you. Anyway. NO more fights. Okay? Good. Lilenth. Lets go." She nodded and led the way to the Hall. Harry smiled to himself as he saw Aramina sat at the high table. Obviously giggling about something.
"What's she laughing at?" Harry smiled.
"She won't be the one having the last laugh."
"Oh?" asked Serrothlin.
"No, she'd pranked my room, I saved the spells though." He held up a few capsules. "They'll activate on impact." Lilenth smiled.
"She's made a bad enemy in you."
"Not necessarily an enemy, an opponent maybe. I'm not known as the Master of Pranks for nothing." He grinned at the others. "Lets go in shall we?" he gestured for Lilenth to proceed him and she shook her head, gesturing for Serrothlin and Sabriel to go first as Harry's guards. He smiled and followed them, Lilenth bringing up the rear.
"Sorry about that 'Lana, I had to stop by my room."
"No problem." Aramina looked at Harry curiously.
"Something wrong Ara'?"
"Noooo." She frowned. "How'd you do it?"
"Do what?"
"You know what." Harry smiled. Lobbing all three capsules at her and ducking as they exploded. She squealed in outrage and Harry laughed. "I wouldn't try to get rid of that if I were you. Who knows what might happen." She ignored the advice and immediately tried to vanish the effects. She blanched when she saw the effect it had on the pranks.
What had given her feathers and hair like snakes turned her into a neon green monkey. Aramina jumped up and down on the table in outrage making noises that was probably her yelling at Harry. "I did warn you Aramina. Would you like a banana?" he held out one which she grabbed and then threw at him. "Temper temper."
""If you don't turn me back now I'm going to hang, draw and quarter you.""
"You're no fun." Harry wrinkled his nose and with a pop Aramina turned back to herself, though she did have a slight greenish tinge to her face.
"Just you wait. Go on you laugh. You're dead meat Harry." Harry grinned before smiling at the astounded faces looking at him.
"Well then. I challenge you to a prank war." Aramina's eyes gleamed and everyone in the hall groaned.
"Accepted!"
"I'll warn you now. I come from a long line of pranksters." Aramina dismissed this with a wave of her hand. "Very well then. You can choose Judges."
"Gwynlilith and Landvell. And they'll judge on complexity of the prank and how hard it is to get rid of."
"Fine with me. When do you want to begin?"
"Three days time." Harry nodded.
"Accepted. You wanted to see me 'Lana?" Her eyes twinkled.
"Yes. Your friend has been asking for you. He's through there." Harry nodded and left the hall. Thilin stood and made his way to the centre of the hall.
"Does anyone want to place some bets on who'll win?" a surge of elves rushed forward and Thilin began accepting bets.
A.N. Well there we go, shorter than I anticipated but I hit a bit of a rut so I thought I'd post this part now. Thank you to all of those that read this and I hope you liked it.
PaPa SmUrF – glad you're enjoying it so far.
Stahchild – Well I've sorted out the parapgraphs in Part 1 – And So It Begins and when I post this part will do Part 2 – The Order of the Phoenix and this one. I'm glad you like though.
Rhyllen – Happy Birthday!!! See, I got it posted! The only familiar thing about Rex Chase is the name, in this story he was just a past Lord Phoenix.
David305 – Thanls for pointing those out. They're all corrected and the chapter should have been updated by now! Other readers have pointed out that the paragraphing made the part slightly confusing. Was it this that you found confusing??
shdurrani – glad you liked the last one Alex!
Well that's all from me. I'll see you all next time, which probably won't be up for a while. I suspect some time in July or August.
Chow
The Lady Reaper