Chapter Two: The Musings of a King
Hello everyone! Yes, here is the next chapter, just like I promised! Yeah! Enjoy, and remeber, I own no one.
'Mad Eye' Moody paced the room, growling while Dumbledore, Molly Weasley, her two son's and Tonks sat at the table drinking tea and being served by two nervous house elves as their friend had just repeated her story to the group.
"I still don't get it!" Moody said to Dumbledore as he came to a stop behind Mrs Weasley, directly opposite the older man. "Who is this 'Highness' your house elves are so afraid of? He wasn't mentioned, and you seem to know him, Dumbledore. And what does he have to do with the girl?" Solleret and her two companions cringed at the very mention of the King.
"He is a very powerful being indeed. One not to be taken lightly, I assure you." Dumbledore mumbled into his mug before taking a sip.
"So? What is he the King of, and what does the girl have to do with it?" Moody repeated.
Dumbledore shook his head as he put his mug down. "It would be wiser if you didn't know. He would know if he was so much as mentioned in this world. He is a being more powerful than anything Voldemort," Everyone flinched. "could ever dream of…"
"If he's so powerful, what would he want with her?" Fred asked pointing upwards, indicating Sarah.
"She's a muggle, isn't she?" George put in, on the same track as his counterpart. "If he's more powerful than what's-his-face, why doesn't he just kidnap her? She can't stop him."
"There are rules for everything." Dumbledore said mysteriously, smiling when Mrs Weasley sent her boys a look for interrupting. "and these rules must be followed, or there would be dire consequences. The difference between his Highness and Voldemort," Everyone flinched again. "is that his Majesty at least has some morals…"
"I'm sure his Majesty will be most glad to find he is spoken so well of in this realm." A posh British voice said, coming from the doorway. Everyone turned, Moody with his hand on his wand as he did not like so many surprises in one day, to see a small fox-like creature with an eye patch on, riding an old English sheepdog, into the room. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Sir Didymus of the Underground, protector of my Lords lands inside the Labyrinth and champion to the Lady Sarah, with whom you have tended and situated in the above accommodations. And this is my faithful steed Ambrosia." The strange creature said, looking innocently at the stunned group and wagging his tail a little uneasily.
"My dear friend, Sir Didymus," Fred said in a rival accent, being the first to think of anything to say, getting up to pull an elaborate bow. "I am Gred Weasley of Iocum. And this is my brother Sir Forge." Sir Didymus's tail began to slow down and wave a little in curiosity.
"Pleasure." George got up and copied his twin. "Are you by any chance related to a Basil Brush?"
"Forge! I mean, George!" Tonks huffed at him as she stepped forward and lightly whacked him. "Don't be mean."
"Oh, and this is the lovely Lady Nymphadora Tonks."
"Don't call me that!"
"My lady, please do not scold master Forge of the Jest. Your ladyships name is beautiful." Sir Didymus said as he spurred Ambrosia forward and kissed her hand from his 'steed'.
"This is our poor and long suffering mother, the lady Molly Weasley. And these two elderly gentlemen are Sir Alistor Moody of the Mad eye and Sir Albus Dumbledore of Hogwarts." Moody just grunted as the small fox bowed and inclined his head while Dumbledore got into the full spirit of the occasion and bowed back as Mrs Weasley only nodded, still a little stunned.
"How is it we have the pleasure of you company, Sir Didymus?" Dumbledore asked as he got up and made his way to the small fox and kneeled so that they could both be eye to eye.
"I have been appointed, by his most Royal Majesty, to inform you that he is visiting the above room which Lady Sarah is currently occupying and does not wish to be disturbed saved for the presents of the homes host, who is to attend immediately." Sir Didymus said in one long breath.
"I expect his Majesty wants to know what happened." Dumbledore observed as he stood.
"Yes." Sir Didymus answered as he seemed to shiver slightly. "If you would please follow me, I shall escort you to my brother, Sir Ludo, who is vigilantly guarding her ladyships door." The people in the Kitchen watched Dumbledore follow the fox out of sight, except for Moody who watched them through the wall as well.
Jareth lay with his head beside Sarah's, holding her hand, as he sat on a chair beside the bed. His eyes were closed, concentrating on Sarah's breathing, and he stroked the back of her hand as he pressed it to his lips in a loving fashion then pulling it away to pet it more. Looking at Sarah's face through half lidded eyes, he moved his other hand to brush a tendril of hair out of her face and toy with it between his fingers, before stroking it back into the collective of hairs framing his loves face. Running a gloved finger over her creamy cheek Jareth sighed to himself, not at all use to the feeling of guilt in the pit of his stomach.
Technically, it was all his fault. Technically.
If he hadn't used magic on the schoolteacher and her lesson manuscripts, then Sarah wouldn't have been angry at him.
And she would never have taken the shortcut home, through the park, or met that little House Elf.
But, Sarah had saved the elf. So she must care for the Goblins somehow. The elf was of Goblin descendent. It didn't take a seer to see that!
If she hadn't saved that little thing then she would never be in the condition she was now. It was just like Sarah, too stubborn to leave well enough alone and too good hearted not to help anyone. Even if she didn't know them.
Why couldn't she give him a chance, like the house elf, and just run blindly into the unknown?
I suppose taking her little brother was a factor in the entire relationship.
But she asked for Toby to be taken away. And I did. Then, what? She wants him back. So she runs my Labyrinth. And wins.
The round was over. Yet she still acted like it was still being played. Did I make it clear enough that my turn was over?
Oh, Sarah, you idiot. As childish as ever… That's why I like playing with you so much…
Sighing to himself, Jareth gave the hand one last squeeze before propping himself up and looking towards the door to wait for the entrance of the man so filled with magic Jareth could feel it through the wall. He didn't have to wait long. A great shaggy orange arm opened the door to admit an elderly wizard and the fox knight.
"Sire?" Sir Didymus asked. "May I present to you Sir Albus Dumbledore of Hogwarts." He said, motioning to Dumbledore, who bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement.
"Thank you, Sir Didymus. Call Hoggle to resume your duties at the door. I believe I have given you your instructions." Jareth said emotionlessly as he turned his head back to Sarah.
"Very well, sire." Sir Didymus said and disappeared with a poof, but not after giving both men a worried look, as Jareth waved an arm. He really didn't want to leave Dumbledore with his impulsive king, who was acting odder than normal.
There was a moment of silence before Jareth asked, "How is she?" doing his best not to betray his emotions as he looked at Sarah. 'I know nothing of mortal healing magic.'
"When she came in, from what I saw, she was covered in bruises and small cuts. The House Elves told me she was stabbed five times." Jareth's head whirled to look up at Dumbledore, who had stepped closer. "Only two were serious, one in her shoulder and one in her side. The potion given to her will help them heal but she will need plenty of bed rest, something that might not be so easy once she wakes up." Dumbledores eyes twinkled, but he said nothing more. Jareth looked at him, pondering for a moment before continuing his vigilance over Sarah.
"I have heard of the place called Hogwarts." He finally said, idly brushing more hair from Sarah's face. "One of the most prestigious schools of mortal magic, am I wrong? I must admit some shock when I was summoned to Anglia's Londinium by the dwarf Hoggle when I last left Sarah in America. I take it the House Elf brought her here."
Dumbledore pulled up another chair with his wand and sat down next to Jareth in sympathy. "She asked for somewhere safe," Albus shrugged. "Solleret merely took her to the first place to mind."
"I am not blaming your servant. If anything, I'm glad she was taken here."
"But what scared you the most, is that she was injured and taken away while you couldn't do anything to stop it?" Dumbledore hazarded while Jareth shot him an ugly look.
"You know the story, don't you?" He questioned, eyebrow raised. Jareth had hoped it hadn't got out.
"I am on very good terms with my staff, yes, if that is what you mean."
Jareth nodded, satisfied that only a significant few knew of his downfall, then continued watching Sarah's sleeping form, his face relaxing and a small smile tugging on his lips.
"We will keep Sarah here as long as is needed," The wizard got up with a small grunt. "but I'm afraid that this house is no longer one of the safest places in London. It is fair to warn you we have had a previous infiltration problem…"
"I understand. I have posted every House Elf and Goblin in the area on semi-alert. They are instructed to report to me if any dark wizards are spotted. The House Elf, Kreature, will be kept an eye on, even I have heard of his disgraceful actions towards his master, including the unfortunate events because of them, and they will no longer be tolerated." Jareth said, still not taking his eyes from Sarah. Dumbledore nodded then went to leave the room, knowing a dismissal when he heard it, with a slight smile on his own features.
"Oh, before I leave," Dumbledore stopped, Jareth gave no indication that he had heard. "I am compelled to ask; where have you sent Sir Didymus?"
Jareth's smile grew into a smirk. "I just sent him to get something to keep Sarah in bed."
"Then I will tell everyone downstairs to expect him. If there is any change, call for the witch Molly Weasley who is also downstairs." Jareth only nodded.
"I take it you are expecting more guests." He asked.
"Yes. Mr Potter and his friends will soon be picked up and brought here. Good day, your Highness." And the elderly looking wizard left.
To my loyal reviewers!
mdfang: Thank you for being the first reviewer for this story! Hope you injoyed the Jarethness!
Solea: Watch away! You sound a bit like a lecturer I just to have in school. No worries tho, I still love yah!
Just A Starving Writer: Glad to contribute.
Jazzy021: Student life sucks, don't it?
BlackAngelBlood: (Also dances round room, earning funny looks from everyone else in the cyber cafe) Heres your update!
And to evereyone else: I hope this made you smile until your face hurt! I promise to update at least once a week!