Of Kings and Commoners

A Harry Potter Fanfiction

Secrets and Inductions

He was exhausted. There was no more energy left within him cast a spell much less hold himself up. He slumped at the sliding door to the backyard and he struggled to slide it open. Barely managing, he crawled as fast as he could but he could feel the sadness like it was a thick air pressing itself down on him.

He whimpered as he felt a thin frail hand grasp his ankle trying to pull him back.

This wasn't supposed to be happening. He was Harry Potter. Wasn't there supposed to be some grand cosmic destiny thing to keep him alive until…well until he faced off with Voldemort? He wasn't supposed to go out like this…

Over a mountain range, the sun peeked over much later that Harry Potter was used to. The sky lit up and the dawn sky became it's tell tale blue. The light wove its way around the few trees that dotted the hills, corners and hallways, casting long shadows that twinkled with morning dew.

The light pierced through Harry's glasses and through his eyelids until he couldn't force his slumber any longer. His mind was groggy, and his body stiff. He rolled to his side and found he wasn't lying in bed like he was supposed to. He immediately shot up to his feet, his body already regretting its movement. Apparently he had been laying on a large circular stone platform.

A large stone circular platform that wasn't in the backyard of Number 4 Privet Drive; that much was plainly obvious.

He spun around trying to take as much of his surroundings as quickly as he could. Either he was attacked or he had a nightmare, but either way he should still be in the Dursley household, attending to his deplorable Aunt Marge.

Where the hell am I? What's going on?

He found himself standing in the center of a courtyard, the walls surrounding the courtyard looked Asian in its origin and from what he could tell, this was but a small space of the territory that these walls enclosed. The area was bare, save for three stone pillars that stood in silent defense around the platform. The grass seemed freshly cut and the stone paths clean.

Someone lives here...or the place wouldn't be so well kept...

Quietly he stepped off of the circular stone and crept to a corner where he could observe the two entrances to the courtyard. He found his wand still in his hand, though through the morning, his grip was considerably weak.

Birds chirping.

Flies flying by.

Leaves rustling.

After several minutes Harry could only hear his heart beating. He sighed and slumped his shoulders. He had no clue where he was, only it wasn't anywhere in the UK he had heard of. He tried to relax a little. He normally could feel a wizard nearby. Especially Dark ones. Their presence was so overwhelming it was suffocating. Dumbledore and the other professors gave off a similar feeling though it felt more comforting and safe, save for Snape, who presence he didn't need to describe.

Here, wherever here was, he didn't feel anything.

Muggles maybe?

Harry was sure the Dementors weren't a nightmare as he seemed to have little to no energy to move. He summed up his courage and cautiously walked towards the nearest door. They were imposing double doors, painted with an almost blood red color as well as smooth and polished. He placed his hand on the door and pushed. The hinges barely creaked when the door swung up open from the opposite side. The shock sent Harry reeling back and he stumbled backwards before regaining his balance and pointing his wand at the tall figure.

With the sun to his back, he couldn't see his face. All he knew was that he was big and that it would take considerable effort behind a stunning spell to drop him. His wand was shaking, and he knew fear was read all over his face.

"Can I help you?" He asked in a gruff, but young voice.

"Who are you?"

"Who am I? I think I should be asking you that since you're on my property."

Harry backed up as the man stepped closer and his features became more and more visible.

The man was smaller than his silhouette made him out to be. He was big no doubt about it, but without the dramatic effect of the sun behind him, he inspired less fear. Grey and fading brown locks of hair lay about his face and were loosely tied sitting over his shoulder. He looked to Harry what would be a Dumbledore on steroids, clean shaven. He wore a flowing black jacket that looked much like robes though his dress was the least thing on Harry's mind. On the chest was pinned an insignia he had never before seen.

"I don't know how I got here, maybe you know?"

"No I don't and you had best mind your manners boy."

"I'll mind myself thanks." Harry said defiantly, gripping his wand tightly.

"You plan on using that?" The man pointed casually to Harry's wand and he raised it level to his face. At this distance, he wouldn't be fast enough to take the wand or quick enough to dodge a stunner.

"If I have to."

"Well that won't do at all."

The man raised his hand up and suddenly Harry's wand which he was sure he was holding onto tightly now rested in this stranger's hands.

Ok he knows magic...this is bad.

He didn't know what to expect from him since he felt nothing about this man. He took slow steps backwards until the man stopped advancing.

"Name."

"Potter."

"Just Potter? Or do you have a first name?"

"Harry. Now who are you?"

"No one important."

"I'm still asking."

"Donovan Bailey." He said proudly.

"Where am I?"

"This twenty questions?" The man said dejectedly. Harry shrank a bit at his tone before standing tall once more.

"I asked you first." Harry spat.

"A region of China known as Tibet. Now what are you doing here?"

"I don't know. If I did I would have gotten out of here the same way I came."

"So you just popped out of this air."

"I dunno, maybe. You've never heard of apparating?"

"Not from a British kid who doesn't look old enough to have a license to yet. No."

"Well I don't know how I got here, but last thing I remember some Dementors were trying to kill me."

"Dementors huh?"

Donovan looked at Harry disbelievingly and Harry glared in return.

"Well Harry Potter, can I assume you attend Hogwarts?"

He simply nodded and watched as Donovan pulled a pouch from within his black long coat. Harry eyed him suspiciously as he pulled out what looked like floo powder, but there wasn't a fireplace around.

"Hogwarts Headmaster!" And he casually tossed the powder into the wall which burst into green flame.

"Hello?"

"Dumbledore!" Harry cried out. It was comforting to see a familiar face, especially one that could help him out of this mess.

"Harry? What is going on? Where are you?" His voice remained calm as it always but still sounded concerned.

"I dunno! I just woke up here! Dementors were at the house and-!" Donovan raised his hand and cut him off.

"Calm down Potter." He turned to the wall, green with flame, with Dumbledore's face sitting calmly inside. "Dumbledore? This kid just popped in today. You know our policy, we can't change it. What's his deal?"

Harry was a little excited at the sight of Dumbledore. Some crazy things had happened to him before, but this was a page out of a different book. He wasn't paying much attention, and just kept his eyes glued to the wall, and despite the uneasy terms they left off on at the end of the year, he couldn't help but be ecstatic to see the Hogwarts Headmaster.

Donovan turned to Harry with a concerned look in his eyes. Harry didn't bother returning the dark gaze he gave him before. He merely eyed him suspiciously and didn't even notice him place his hand on his shoulder much less feeling roughly like having been hit with a Stunning spell.

"I know of your policies and traditions though I thought the Everknights no longer held to Galahad's prophecy. You needn't remind me. But please make and exception. He cannot stay. You cannot offer the full protection the school can."

"I beg to differ. At least once a year is the going rate for attempts on his life over there. And most of us don't hold to his prophecy if it really was a prophecy. His prophecy seems like delusions of grandeur. No one can deny his loyalty to his king and his progeny. The fact that he died here seeking the grail is testament to that. Should it happen you know were bound to it. Even that can't be helped."

"Very true simple as it was, but don't tell Harry anything about it, he has enough to deal with already. And you know as well as I do, that the wards around your temple are nowhere near as strong and that you and your people would not last long against Voldemort. You and your people are not made for all out attacks and neither is the temple. Covertness and subtle are more your forte. We can however send him over during the holidays. Though I doubt he would want to leave during the winter holidays. He rather enjoys his time at school then."

The gruff man snorted.

"Though you know it would be in his best interest to right? Very well. You give him to me during the holidays. I know those wards are weakening as we speak so he's not very safe there anyway. Best do something about those keeping watch eh?"

"I was hoping maybe you could do something about that?"

"We'll see Albus. If it is his blood, then you wouldn't even have to ask."

"I know. I hope it is and I also hope it isn't. Like I said, Harry's had enough to deal with."

"Alright up you come."

Harry felt strong arms pull him to his feet as he regained consciousness. Feeling flooded back into his nervous system, and a small ache started to develop on the back of his head. Probably from the fall. He felt like he had been stunned, but that man had no wand and made no incantation.

"You alright now?"

The man placed his heavy hands on Harry's shoulders keeping him steady and tried to catch his eyes as they regained focus. He simply nodded and rubbed the back of his head. Harry crossed his arms and glared at the man leaning against the wall.

"More secrets I can't hear?"

"Used to it?"

"More than I'd like. So, what was your name again?"

"Donovan."

"Right so "Donovan" what is going on and when am I getting out of here?"

Donovan simply shrugged. "Dunno yet. Dumbledore said he floo us when the situation at your home was taken care of. Until then sit tight. I don't know how long your ministry will take to sort things out, but I'm sure it won't be long." Donovan stood up and walked back over to the door and turned back to Harry. "Hungry?"

Harry didn't need another invitation.

Harry was right in his early assumption that the courtyard was but a small piece of the estate. They walked around a few corridors and walked across what looked like the main courtyard. It was at least twice a vast, with just a stone intersection to walk either across or to what looked like a temple. Rock gardens cleanly raked sat in silent guard at the large double doors on each side. They passed through quickly enough to the other side where breakfast wafted through the air. The sounds of many people cooking made it plainly obvious cooking the old-fashioned way was done here. He smiled as despite the circumstances when he did cook at Number 4 Privet Drive, he enjoyed it. And despite the sheer amount and quickness with which wizard food was prepared, he felt it lacked personal attention sometimes. Mrs. Weasley being the obvious exception.

The small area housed a large ring for a table with seats on either side, about as wide as the tables at Hogwarts. Just as they entered was surprised to see a youthful house elf eye him with great awe. No doubt one of the house elf's Dobby had met on his small tour of the world. Immediately he brought out and extra chair placed next to a chair to rival Dumbledore's in size in the Great Hall.

Donovan took his place in the large seat and Harry sat at his side and the doors burst open. People, similarly dressed in long coats flooded in, each followed by a younger looking person who took their place opposite their senior on the inside of the ring.

Already Harry could feel the eyes focus solely on him. It was a feeling he felt he would never get used to and shifted around nervously, staring at the table. He was immediately grateful when the house elf brought out plates upon plates of food. Each one Harry had never seen before, and each one looking very exotic, but also very delicious. They all at their fill and Harry could feel his lips burning at the last dish he had tried. And as the last forks were noisily dropped onto their plates, all eyes returned to Harry, or Donovan, he couldn't tell.

"Obviously we have a new member to our ranks." A few half hearted claps sounded to Harry like he wasn't welcome.

"However this boy is a special case and he will be leaving us to return to school in September." A few voices went up in protest but were quickly calmed.

"You all know our policy." He turned to Harry. "It is our policy, tradition that we are bound by really, to introduce anyone who appears on the platform into our ranks. Which means basically a wizarding apprenticeship, a squireship. Much like a personal teacher." He turned back to the confused ranks of his people. "He is a special case and is desperately needed in the coming conflict in the UK. Harry Potter here," He said placing a hand on his shoulder. "Is still inducted into our ranks. And we shall build him up as such. But you all have heard his name and his importance to the fight over there."

Many nodded in approval and whispered amongst themselves. A few of the younger looking ones on the inside of the table looked sad and upset.

"Well obviously I can't give him to any of you, since our ranks are for the first time in twenty years, completely full. So, young Harry here, will have the benefit of my personal instruction." Snickers and looks of pity for Harry surrounded him. "Harry you get the benefit of getting your ass kicked by me instead of these kids." He thumbed in the table's general direction and assumed he meant the older looking ones.

All of the younger ones inside of the table suddenly looked happy and snickered in approval. Obviously this wasn't necessarily a good thing.

"Regret it or rejoice in it, it doesn't matter. Welcome to the Everknights Harry."

Author's notes – Kinda cheesy typical "harry learns new and great stuff" ending I know and I'm sorry. Seriously. This ending is crap and I really can't think of a better way of putting it. Again I feel like I'm missing some things for this chapter. I'm hoping readers will find them. And I'm hoping they review! It's a little discouraging to not have as many reviews as my last work, which IMHO was not that good. But I guess many are like me who just read and don't feel the need or are to lazy to review. I mean I read some really good stuff out there and I've only reviewed once and that was for Draco664 for his work. But I really questioned myself for this chapter. One thing I don't like in stories is where Harry gets advanced training out of the blue, and here I am giving it. Many times it's unbelievable or he learns some new greater power. Very few times I see him learn practical spells or learn at a more believable pace. I'm hoping the next few chapters convey something to that effect. I mean Harry is powerful, but he's not good at harnessing his full potential. He didn't learn the patronus in one day right? I think it stand to reason that stronger magic would be more difficult to learn. Grrr I'm rambling. I'm a very critical writer and not good at taking criticism, much less my own, but not all reviews can be praise can they?

A/N v.2.0 - Somewhere down the line I decided to really take a break from writing since I did so much in Iraq. Which mean no editing either leaving this story to fester a bit. However in that time I've had a million storyline pop into my head. Mainly two, one is pure, no two bones about it fluff. A WAFF fic in all it's sweet and sugary goodness. But like many WAFF fics, the writing is poor and the lines and setups cheesy, but I know we could all use a good cheesy fic. I may as well be one to put it down right? The other is a pure adventure fic. At least so far, It takes place during the summer and (for now) end when he arrives at school. I think it's a good break from this story to help me gather and sort my ideas. So please bear with me. Also I'm still seeking a beta reader, since despite my numerous edits for this chapter, I feel it inadequate. So help would be much appreciated. Drop a line if you are willing to spare some time. - thanks

Roxoan – Wow I really didn't think my first version was any good. It was a case of writing as fast as I could think. Problem was I didn't think further ahead to other chapters and how things would work out. The H/Hr will be short lived I assure you. It's no more than a "closer more intimate relationship" than before, but no a full blown relationship. Honestly if I didn't deploy I would have continued Legacy, but while I was over there, I was able to work out the kinks and able to write out a more descriptive story. I'm staying on the same general path I did in Legacy I'm just trying to convey better imagery. Thanks!

javierr55 – Auras will remain in effect, the journey will be shorter, but you'll see why in a bit. But as for trying something different read above ;) –Thanks!

Quis – thanks for the heads up, but like I said I'm going off the movie Excalibur. Not really a good movie, but I don't have access to the books, plus I'd have to change some stuff, and I'm lazy. I do know about Gwain, but…well he wasn't in Monty Python…BTW thanks for the correct spelling for "Guinevere". I never could figure it out and spellcheck doesn't help. Thanks for answering my literary prayers!

Franky – first off thanks for the review. I was getting a bit down for lack of. Second, Harry's not doing it because his Aunt and uncle tell him to. Well they do tell him, but they know the consequences if he is mistreated. That he already does the work tell his relatives that he's going to do the work and may as well tell him what they would like done. Harry himself is not doing it because his relatives force him to. I put in there that cleaning takes his mind away from dwelling on Sirius and such. Personally when I lose a loved one I don't want to think about it to much or else I get depressed. I'm making that the case with Harry and this is how he's going to cope. I'm not a big fan on Harry straight up breaking down and turning into a whiny little &(!#$. Perhaps a good example of a rebellious Harry would be to check out draco664's new fic. But these are just my two cents. Thanks again

Bishufu – thanks, but I guess it is true that you are your own worst critic. Me being a prime example of this. I've already had a few request to continue my other story, but this story IS that story, reworked so my ideas work out (I hope, I always have a nagging feeling I'm leaving something out every time I post.). Thanks much for the review.