Gravity of it All by PLS
Summery: Sick of trying to survive as Harry Potter in a post-Voldemort world, a young wizard takes a new path in the past that leads to the stars.
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Chapter 12- Building an Empire
We will live through
Even in the hardest of times
Crescent Moon by Mika Nakashima
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Harry stood draped in a cloak made of what seemed like yucca fibers, but he knew to be the local breed of sheep or musk oxen, he really didn't care though. Ten years had passed and he was King Kloros' left hand as the Vikings probably would have said. It seemed like it had been ages since he had acted as the traditional gollum, or at least that was how he felt. Now he was the king's main source of plans and the part time assassin when no other options were there. The king preferred to keep Jack as his right hand, after all Jack was better with the charm and far quicker in acting than Harry.
Harry smiled, in reality, he and Jack were practically raising the poor man from being a typical backwoods lordling to becoming the fount of a powerful dynasty. It was why he was leading the most intelligent of Kloros' daughters out to a clearing that he had prepared for their use. He was going to teach the future queen of a neighboring kingdom the arts of deception, infiltration, planning, and being a Slytherin in a Gryffindor's robes. Her mother had already started on the right track years ago by teaching her daughters to use their feminine wiles', but Harry knew her rather pedestrian tactics wouldn't cut it with her betrothed, the crown prince Kanderos.
Lord Harry? came the small, timid sounding voice. Harry looked back at her with a kind smile.
he said his voice letting a teasing tone blend with the kindness he needed to project.
I just. . . What are we doing out here?Coeis, your upcoming nuptials with Kanderos are the why. As for the what, well, you are aware that as this is not a match that Eros would exactly approve then it is one that will either win Kanderos control of Aetheon or win Theropia for your father and later your brother.And you are here to ensure that Kanderos is to be under my control and not the other way around? asked Coeis carefully as Harry grinned.
You've got the idea. And who better to learn from than I? Coeis snorted, a action Harry knew was picked up from spending time with either of the Tau'ri gollums and Coeis always did have a reputation for sneaking into court as a child, which was still happening to the day she was told that her father wanted her to sit in the open and be a part of the action. After that Coeis was often seen sitting near Jack.
Sure, Father's deceiver and poisoner. Who better? Coeis smiled, she was sincere. Harry sighed.
I will teach you as I was taught, sometimes with stories of history from my lands, sometimes with straight out lectures, sometimes with deceptions that you must overcome, but always you will learn. Harry smirked, I just hope you aren't like the dunderheads that typically need me in this capacity.
He had always wanted to say that.
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Jack continued to play Harry's conjured up version of Risk with Aeolus, Kloros' Thirteen year old son while teaching him the basics of command and history of Earth warfare. Aeolus was Jack's student like his sisters were all going to be Harry's at some point. Kloros watched as Jack's Irish troops took over England as his ship provided more force and distracted Aeolus' boats, this new version had naval positions in addition to the typical infantry, cavalry, and other army posts. It also had actual battles based not only on dice rolls but on commands given out in the middle of battle.
The chess set Harry made was much the same only the pieces were very opinionated and Jack used chess to teach Aeolus the importance of winning hearts as well as battles. Jack smiled as Aeolus scowled but moved a ship to blockade the northern sea and protect his holdings in Scandinavia as well as to eventually retake the English islands.
Jack, sir. Why is it that you said that England in your lands has been under the same rule for hundreds of years if it's so easy to take and lose?The people make the difference. Harry's English you know, from England, and in his old army they didn't just think they knew that they were the world's best warriors and they would do anything to prove it. Harry himself is pretty much the ideal of an English soldier, intelligent, cultured, and will never give up. Aeolus nodded.
I thought the United States felt the same way? asked Kloros. Jack grinned.
Sort of. We're a bit more open to learning now and honestly a lot of our history stems from the English. If anything Harry might say our success is proof that the English are the best because only English could fight English and come out on top. Nowadays, the United State's biggest advantage is technological and logistical in nature and thus we win wars, as well as create good alliances that only aide us in both peace and war. Jack said with grin recalling all the rants Harry had gone off on for various political blunders by his government.
Jack missed Harry, but he knew that once Harry was done with whatever it was he had to get done, they'd be together again. They were both thankful that the culture they blundered into was accepting of them, that because they seemed to be perpetually eighteen they could share a bed without repercussions, other than a sore butt.
Besides, he was the first to admit Harry looked like he belonged in togas, robes, and the long cloaks he favored. It was kinda hot.
They were still slaves, now bound to aide in turning the kingdom into an empire, but now they were treated with respect and honor as well as bound to the family and not just Kloros. Harry was right when he said that the spells were dynamic and changed to best suit the focus's needs.
Aeolus grinned as he retook England and then used his nationalism and patriotism tokens (more of Harry's magical additions to the game) to imbue the troops there with the spirit needed to defend the islands. Jack wanted to grin back, but instead used a few propaganda cards to enforce his will upon Aeolus' Canadian troops. War was never about just capturing one little place, but rather how to get the most bang for your buck.
Come to think of it, everything was that way.