Of Kings and Commoners

The Confusion Mounts

A Harry Potter Fanfiction

"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, Harry 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 tables 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 don't matter. Welcome to the Everknights Harry."

Harry was subsequently introduced to everyone, not really remembering names, just faces. Who smiled, who laughed, who looked like he didn't belong in their ranks. Though Dumbledore himself said he would be ok here, it all seemed a little dodgy to Harry. The squires, the ones on the inside of the table presently introduced themselves. Some were very young, but most well below his age, save for a few. It rules out any friends he could really relate to.

After a few pats on the back and some handshakes later, Harry followed Donovan back into the large courtyard and ascended the steps into the temple. Inside was pretty much what Harry had expected. Tablets inscribed with some Asian text, which Harry assumed held some deep spiritual meaning. Candles gave the temple an amber glow and the smell of incense permeated throughout the dimly lit area. Great pillars were evenly spaced along the side of a long walk way which became steps to a stone altar. Behind the altar stood a great wooden statue of a man, dressed in armor, holding a very large sword in traditional salute.

"So I'm guessing you wondering who the hell we are?"

"More or less." Harry folded his arms and looked at Donovan's back, who seemed content to look up admirably at the statue.

"Well a long time ago. Around Merlin's time, two very powerful wizards dueled here."

"Wait a minute," Harry interrupted, already finding a hole in the story. "Wasn't Merlin THE first wizard?"

"Documented, first documented. But not the absolute first. Not everyone lent out their skills to great kings and wandered about common folk ya know. These, "He motioned to an elaborately painted mural to their left." two were brothers, choosing vagrancy over the stability of a kingdom." The painting moved much like wizard photos, it's colored strokes flowing with movement. "Obviously one chose the dark arts, and the two fought to the death. Eventually, after three months of dueling..."

"Three? Three months?" The painting, telling the story, showed the two wizards, one dressed in white, the other in black, locked in a frozen and exhausting stalemate before both cast spells resulting in a colorful explosion, causing Harry to jump a bit.

Donovan smiled at Harry's disbelief. "They were very powerful Harry. Much more that any wizard we know today. More so than Dumbledore. One could dispute that their strength rivaled Merlin's. But anyway, when they both finally fell, a great explosion of magical energy was released. What happened was that it made this area, about a 7 or so kilometer radius from the platform, devoid of all magical energy."

"Huh?" Donovan's lack of clarity lent more to Harry's confusion.

"Well no one's really been bored enough to plot out where it ends, and I'm not about to be the one-."

"No No." Harry interrupted. "The other thing. Devoid of magic?"

"Levitate this feather Harry." Donovan turned around and opened his palm revealing a white feather, recalling Harry's memories of one of his earliest lessons at Hogwarts. However he suddenly remembered the limit on underage magic.

"I'm not allowed to. Underage magic rule." He already had one count against him and he wasn't about to get expelled over a levitation spell.

"Harry, were not in the UK anymore. China's Ministry of Magic is hardly as strict as yours. You won't get in trouble. "

Harry eyed him cautiously and unbelievingly.

"For God's sake man you won't get in trouble now cast the damn spell already!"

He made Harry jump and quickly raised his wand to the feather and spoke the incantation.

"Wingardium Leviosa."

The feather barely twitched. With a grunt, Harry forced his energy into the spell, causing the feather to shoot up from Donovan's hand before it slowly floated down. Harry dropped his wand arm and placed his hands on his knees and sucked in a relieving breath.

"What the hell? What the hell was that?" Harry said exasperated.

"Like I said, "devoid of magic". Which means that magic in this area, among a select few others around the world, must be cast with the users energy alone. Magic is easy to cast outside of this area, because you also draw energy from the land around you, the elements, faeries, and the like."

"..."

"Are you following me at all?"

"Barely. Just keep going. I'm sure it all sink in by tonight." Harry had listened like it was one of his classes. Most lessons were remembered just as he would go to bed, understanding and comprehension coming together right before his trip to dreamland.

"The world has magic all around it. Depending on your location, magic can be easier or harder. Hogwarts is an example of a high magic location. Once you get the basics down and leave school you'll already have a stable reserve of magical energy that you won't know the difference. It's a concept many a wizard have failed to grasp or even acknowledge."

"Ok. I think I get it..." Harry scratched his head, still not really understanding, but nodding nonetheless. He figured that was why casting the patronus charm was difficult at first. His reserve of magic wasn't strong enough. But being where he was may also have been the reason he was able to cast it eventually.

"You will. Like you said, I'm sure it'll make sense by tonight." Donovan smiled, patting Harry on the shoulder roughly.

After dinner, everyone said their goodnights with the same sort of detached friendliness. Donovan showed him to his room, which was in a similar courtyard, with other rooms of the squires. It was surprisingly furnished and decorated, about the same size as his room at Number 4 Privet Drive. On a desk next to the window, a lit candle stood vigil over the room. Another two candles sat atop his dresser, which Harry was told, held clothes for him. He lay down on the firm bed, with several sets of boots, rolled down to the calf, sitting underneath. He looked up at the room's only decoration, the ceiling. It was painted an adobe red, with twirling strokes moving in a hypnotic chase after its tail.

"Helps you get to sleep. Rest up alright?" Donovan gave him an odd smile and left Harry alone to rest and gather his thoughts.

It had been a long and very weird day. Not much unlike his first trip to Diagon Alley. Since then he had learned to just accept things as they are. Though much of the magical world was still so new to him, he readily accepted what was one bizarre and only in fairy tales. As he lay there, his eyes grew heavy and as predicted, what Donovan had said earlier began to make sense. And that was enough for him.

He rolled over and felt the small crunch of paper in his pocket.

"Cho's letter..." He groaned. He blinked hard and forced alertness into his mind.

Her letter. He remembered he stuffed it into his pocket before he was attacked.

He had forgotten about it during the day. And now without Hedwig, he wondered how he would reply to her. He hoped she hadn't written anything to urgent or intense. Sometimes she would write something that seemed to scream attention. It bothered Harry a bit, to have to write back quickly, but letters were still letters, and letters from his friends were always a welcome sight. He unfolded the letter which wafted with the same tell tale jasmine perfume minus the scent of the apothecary.

Dear Harry,

So I take it you don't like your Aunt Marge? Everyone has relatives like that. Hard to imagine how people like that are even tolerated. Imagine one of them being a customer. It's terrible! You still have to be courteous and impersonal and try to not let them get to you. But when they leave I make sure the rest of the shop know how much of a jerk that customer was. It's okay though because it's usually the same person and everyone knows how much of an arrogant jerk he is.

Anyway, I had a pretty good day today. I had the day off and went to lunch with Michael.

Harry remembered Michael as Ginny's month or so long boyfriend and that someone had said something about him sitting with her on the train. He smiled at himself, a little proud of the fact that he wasn't jealous of him.

I hadn't seen Michael in a while. He lives just a few rows off Diagon Alley, so I guess you could say we grew up together. But despite that, even you know me better than he does. From the way he acted I think he wants to date again. He didn't push it so I was ok. The rest of the day I pretty much lounged around the house and listened to some music. I really didn't feel like working on any of my summer assignments. I felt I deserved a break. I mean a real break. Not doing anything, just a lot of naps and snacks.

Despite not having experienced a "regular" summer, he still liked to read about Cho's daily life. It gave him a sort of insight on a normal life. He hardly counted his time at the Weasley's or Grimmauld Place to be normal, and he certainly didn't have any days where he could be content to just lay about and do nothing.

Well its night right now, and I have a few relatives over. I promised to show my cousin around the alley and maybe to a club. Bye!

Sincerely,

Cho

Harry folded up her letter ad set on the desk before lying back down. She didn't ask him anything important so he didn't feel the need to write back right away. He would wait until morning and ask Donovan about it.

It was already noon and Harry wondered if he would ever get the chance to talk to Donovan, much less train with him. The first hours of the day went by as an exhaustive blur. Along with the other "squires" as they were always disdainfully referred to as, they were lead on what seemed like a never ending chase of one of the knights. It all was second nature for the squires to be put through their paces and they knew Harry had yet to adjust. He learned later, much to his displeasure, that the run itself was considered short and slow paced. It only meant things would get harder before they got easier. Simple words of encouragement and the simple desire not to fall behind kept him going.

The one that lead them apparently lead them every morning. The other appentices (a much more respectful sounding name they used to refer to themselves) called him Cowboy because of his American origins and a deep southern drawl in his voice. Broad at the shoulders, tall and with a thin strip of hair on his head, he seemed to suggest service in the military and lead them around as such. He was an easy face to recognize from the quick introductions the day before.

After exercises, they had cleaned up from what was, to Harry, the most exhausting hour and a half in his life. The simple uniformed shorts and shirt were soaked with sweat and He knew that they'd probably end up like that every morning. He opened his drawers to find his new clothes. Dark cotton pants with large pockets at the knees, which were tucked into tall boots which he rolled down. He remembered seeing the others wear them as such and they reminded him oddly enough of pirates. But they were comfortable and conformed to his feet. He tucked in a white long sleeves button up and up on a black leather vest. In the closet he pulled out a long flowing leather jacket that looked almost worn as the luster in it had faded. It was a welcome change from his Hogwarts robes, but he figured he'd miss those soon enough.

Once he had breakfast the day resumed it's fast pace. Some of the knights would take them to a secluded part of the temple ground and teach them magic. Not much unlike lesson at Hogwarts, though much more personal and in depth. Most of it was old hat for Harry, and the knights kept him in the back to observe. He watched the apprentices learn potions, transfiguration, charms and such but he was surprised when one knight took them to a courtyard that was littered with all sorts of weapons, target dummies, punching bags and small circled arenas. Close combat was something Harry had no experience in and it was definitely something that appealed to his sense of duty to the whole "Saving-the-World" job he had inherited. He wasn't surrised when the knight had pulled im aside to teach him the basics of form and posture, leaving the others to their own devices.

He eventually made his way back to his room after learning a bit and after taking many turns and corridors, even walking himself in a circle. His body was still sore from exercise, but he hadn't had much time to think about it until now. Cho's letter remained on the desk, and he thought about how he would reply. Harry pulled out his wand and tapped the letter, speaking the incantations to levitate it.

"Maybe I can float it all the way back home?" He said jokingly. He watched the letter shift a bit and had forgotten how hard it was to levitate a feather before. Again he focused more on the letter and the spell and watched the letter bob up and down in the air as he tried to steady the letter. After a few more moments he let the letter fall to the desk and himself back into his chair. It was a hard as it was the first time.

"Still trying got get the hang of it?" Donovan's familiar voice came from the doorway and he watched Harry slump on his bed.

"Yeah. It's almost like it's the first time I'm doing it. Or maybe I'm just not strong enough." Images of Sirius flooded through Harry's mind, the emptiness returning to clench a bit more on his heart.

"Yet." Donovan corrected.

"Huh?"

"You're not strong enough…yet. Just like you weren't smart when you were young or strong when you were little, you'll grow into it. Little by little you'll learn more, do more and become stronger in the process. It's inactivity that'll leave you weak."

"But doing something rather than nothing isn't always better." In this case staying at Hogwarts rather than run off to the ministry was a better idea.

"True, but like all things it depends on the circumstance. But as a great man once said, "Doing something productive at once is better than figuring out the best thing to do hours later." The best thing for you COULD be to just bide your time until we get word from Dumbledore, but you never know right?"

"Yeah I guess. So Dumbledore hasn't flooed or anything?"

"'Fraid not. He's usually punctual about these things. I'll try and contact him later tonight. At the very least I could owl him..."

"Oh I forgot!" Harry's eyes flickered over to the letter and back to Donovan.

"Do you have an owl I can borrow? I need to write to someone."

"No. No owls here."

"But you just said..." Harry said confused.

"Owling someone is just a term Harry." Donovan smiled at Harry's apparent misunderstanding. "Owls don't live everywhere you know. It's just a figure of speech in many places. Got plenty of hawks and falcons though. Makes for a much faster delivery."

"Well can I borrow one?"

"You can have on if you like. We always have plenty lounging around." Donovan stepped out and snapped his fingers. Several falcons and hawks (Harry couldn't tell the difference just yet) Perched themselves on the window sill, eyeing Harry curiously. "Ok girls, who wants 'em?" A few of them simply flew off, and one hopped forward, tilting her head to look at Harry better.

"Just like owl's they are. Smart and understand what we say. Just make sure if they bring anything any game back that you just leave it outside. Wouldn't do to stink up your room or deny them their dinner would it?"

"N-no I guess not."

"Well Harry I'll be off then. We'll figure out how you can spend the rest of the day without wasting away eh?"

"Um ok."

With that, Donovan spun on his heel and was gone. He was right though and Harry was left with the rest of the day to himself. Squires came to their rooms looking ragged and went back out as quick as the came looking refreshed. Noting this, Harry decided to make the most of his day of reprieve. He didn't know how the days would go by after today, but he knew he'd be exhausted. The morning exercises alone seemed to do him in more than his toughest quidditch game.

He looked to the Cho's letter and suddenly realized he had no quill or ink. He opened the drawers around the desk and found several pens and pad of lined paper. Pulling it out Harry eyed it with and almost confused look. He hadn't used a regular pen and lined notebook paper in so long. It was almost how Mr. Weasley would look at muggle items. With and almost rapt fascination and old familiarity, he clicked the pen and wrote smooth lines and had to stop himself from dripping the pen in an imaginary bottle of ink. Just writing the date seemed much easier without the constant dipping and scratching of quills, nor did they have the size and sometimes annoying habit of tickling his face as he wrote.

Dear Cho,

Sorry I haven't written. A lot has happened in the past few days I'm not really sure where to begin...

He really didn't so he started from the beginning, his hand getting cramps from writing so much. He hadn't realized what he'd been through until he started writing. It all seemed like some outrageous tall tale. But then that was the story of his life.

So obviously I haven't had much time to write. I'm not even sure when this will reach you considering where am, and that I'm using a falcon as opposed to Hedwig. So well see. Anyway, I still don't know exactly what's going on so I guess I'll just leave you at that.

Sincerely,

Harry

Harry rolled up the letter since he couldn't find any envelopes. The falcon, much like all owls he'd seen before stuck her leg out, waiting for the letter.

"Am I supposed to name you? Or do you already have a name?" He asked, tightening the leather strap around the letter. The tall bird stretched out its long light brown wings. Before Harry could read any reaction from her she hopped to the window sill.

"Cho Chang in Diagon Alley." Was all he could call out when the bird again stretched its wings and flew off into the afternoon sky. "Guess she doesn't like me that much..."

With nothing else to do and the rest of the day untouched, he had yet to figure out what to do. Boredom had reared its ugly head before, but then, had only the confined spaces of the cupboard under the stairs or his room. And he had yet to fully explore his new surroundings. He nodded to himself, agreeing that getting familiar with this place would occupy enough time. He followed the same path to the temple and instead of crossing to the dining area, he took a left and followed the stone path.

The path was narrow, wooden banisters barred walking onto to freshly cut grass and a small pond on the right, where large golden fish swam about excitedly. The path opened up to a larger garden, winding up to a small bridge where the pond had extended under. Lush trees and flowers were spaced out, the songs of several birds slightly echoed in the garden. Harry found himself oddly at peace in his surroundings. Maybe it was the lack of magical plants or just the quiet serenity and solitude the garden offered, he didn't know. He closed his eyes and tilted his head to the sky, inhaling the deep scent of flowers and letting the fresh air fill his lungs. A gentle melody quietly crept into his ears, and he looked around to find the source.

He followed the path, until it ended at the garden exit. The music, flowing notes from a flute perhaps was somewhere in the garden. Hoping no one noticed, he stepped over the small wooden fence and followed the sound. He was careful not to disturb anything and he finally came upon a clearing, where, upon a large, well rounded stone, sat perhaps the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, the flute playing a seducing melody that drew Harry unknowingly closer to this woman. She of the dark raven hair flowing with a gentle breeze. Her pale skin soft as cream and her fingers playing expertly along the flute. Her eyes were closed in deep meditation of the song, seemingly playing from the heart rather than notes some one had written long ago.

Who is this girl?

to be continued

A/N -

Well I'm back from leave and I fully intended to post a few chapters during leave, but I guess i had more to do this time around. But I did get around to more editing until the chapter didn't suck as much. I really wish I could do better. More than likely I'll be able to post the next chapter by the end of the week. It's not as bad and shouldn't require too much edit time. please review! I know alot of you don't but I would appreciate it especially if you can find any holes in my plot. thx

jeangab057 – those two words make up perhaps the most ego inflating review ever. Thanks!