Chapter 6: The Grove

Harry stood still, waiting for a response from the two guards. He made sure to stay relaxed, keeping all forms for tension out of his face. The two guards continued to stare him down, though Harry refused to say anything more. He could feel the magic of magic of someone reach out in a way that was unfamiliar. He wasn't sure if it was the guards or someone on the wall, but he didn't really resist. He only gave resistance when the magic brushed against his mind. Harry reinforced his barriers preventing the foreign presence access. It felt strange as the magic accepted the defense, refusing to probe any of his defenses. It wasn't long afterwards that the presence receded and the guards stance shifted. They weren't letting Harry enter but something had fundamentally changed for them.

"A boon has a steep price. Many have been killed for less." Says one of the guards

"The steepness of the price depends on ones perspective." Harry responded

One of the guards stepped forward, "Many are not as cavalier about their very life."

Harry smiles, "Then they do not understand the realities that dictate your hospitality."

That caused the guards to pause, "You are not known to us. What right do you have to speak of hospitality." The one guard who didn't speak began to circle Harry. She didn't get right behind him but was positioned off to the side. Harry eyed the movement, yet forced his body to remain as still as possible.

"It doesn't matter who he is. The man speaks the truth." A third voice interrupted. Harry saw a hand grasp the shoulder of the guard infront of him. The guard turned to reveal another, though there were small differences between the armor that this third guard wore. The new arrival continued to speak the truth, "Do not think to overstep your bounds. The man has submitted his request, we are honor-bound to consider it."

"He is a man. His request is worth less than the dirt beneath our boots."

The new arrival narrowed her eyes, "The Queen has spoken. You would do well to remember that, or find yourself in a position that would have you wishing you were a man."

The guard lowered her head, "Yes captain."

The captain waved Harry to follow her. Harry fell instep behind her, though as he noticed the eyes of the first guard as he passed. They burned with a hate for the very person that he was. He recognized that look from so many of the blood purists from his youth. He kept his face neutral as he walked into the stronghold, the feeling of the wards washing over him. The first thing he noticed was the noise. It was the first moment of wonder as Harry realized the scale of the ward scheme around him. It had blocked all noise from exiting. In fact none of his senses had ever realized the scale of what was around him. Buildings rose above the walls, yet he hadn't seen them. He could hear a lively market, even the telltale sounds of a training ring in the distance.

The captain was silent for the first portion but as they made their way through she began to outline the areas that Harry could safely stay in. She reinforced that he would have Visitor Rights for the moment as she took his request to the Queen. He would be able to stay amongst the public areas as well as some for those recognized as a Guest. Harry held his question in about what the official designation of guest meant, as that was something that wasn't apparent in the research from the Goblins. Regardless he was shown a small structure where he would be housed, potentially for a few days as the Queen considered his request. As the Captain left she gave him one las piece of information: he would not be allowed to leave until the consideration was done.

Harry let out a small chuckle after the captain was gone, "Growing up all over again."

Dorea sat in her study thinking about the interaction with Lord Peverell from a few days ago. She had seen how he had reacted to James and Sirius; the recognition that was in his eyes after a few moments was intriguing. Charlus hadn't exactly brushed it off, but had assumed the boys had reminded the Lord of something from his past. Yet Dorea remained unconvinced. Peverell's eyes had lingered too long. They weren't lost in thought but focused on boys directly before him. She couldn't help the curiosity and concern that spread throughout her body as she continually replayed the memory over in her mind.

Dorea made her way over to the floo. The memory needed to be talked about, and Charlus just refused to see her concern on the matter. Calling through the floo to her cousin she was informed by a house-elf that she was free to come through. Dorea informed her own elf that she would be away for a bit before stepping through to Black Manor. Andromeda was the one to meet Dorea at the floo. They exchanged pleasantries before Dorea asked if Andromeda had any more interactions with the family magic. The young girl hadn't but was still replaying the memory of the tree grove in her mind. Dorea sighed as her own meditations had produced nothing regarding that issue, yet promised her grandniece that she would continue to look into the issue. Andromeda led Dorea into the library instead of Arcturus' office.

"Doing some readings dear Cousin?" Dorea asked after Andromeda had left.

Arcturus smiled at the familiar teasing, "Don't act so surprised dear Cousin, but you are not the only one who can study and choose to sit and research."

Dorea sat down and examined the book, "Black Family Lineage and The history of the Wizard's Council? Cousin what is going on?"

Arcturus frowned, "The Goblins gave me a non-answer about the history of Lord Peverell."

Dorea's frown matched his, "Meaning they know something that they refuse to tell us?"

"Or can't due to contract." Arcturus shook his head, "They do love their games with Wizards."

"It is interesting that you are looking into Peverell." Arcturus shot a look towards Dorea, "I had an interesting interaction with him in the Alley just a couple days ago." Arcturus encouraged Dorea to explain what had happened. She told the story of running into the man during an outing with both James and Sirius. How Peverell's expression was fond when he seemed to recognize the two of them. The conversation she had, seemingly having to explain how to respond to a marriage contract. Arcturus' expression showed he was surprised at that. Dorea finished by barely touching on the conversation about Greece.

As always, Arcturus immediately picked up on Dorea's concern, "Peverell was focused on the boys? Did he say anything?"

Dorea shook her head, "No. He just stared at them. Though it took a moment before there was any recognition."

Arcturus leaned back in his chair, thinking over the information, "And Charlus?"

"Is convinced it means nothing."

The two sat in silence for a moment. Dorea could see that her cousin remained deep in thought over it. His hand seemed to unconsciously trail a piece of the Peverell line recorded in the book in front of him. She sat back and let Arcturus mull over the information, trusting his experience with people over her own intuition. After some long moment Arcturus turned back to his cousin.

"Did Peverell say anything to the boys?"

Dorea shook her head, "Nothing substantial. Only responded after I made them apologize for not paying attention in the alley."

Arcturus seemed to consider that for another moment before responding, "I'm not sure if there is anything to make of it." He held up his hand before she could offer any counter point. "I'm not saying that there is nothing there. From your worry it seems obvious that there is something. But we don't have enough. His spar with Bella proved insignificant as well."

Dorea let out a huff before getting up and pacing, "Arcturus. There is something there. I know it."

Arcturus nodded, "I agree with you. There are too many contradictions around Peverell for there to be anything but more explanations. Even Bella saw something during the spar. For a moment Peverell lost his composure. There was a brief moment of pure hatred in his eyes, but it passed quickly." Dorea spun on her heels towards her cousin, "He remained completely controlled afterwards."

"Bella?"

"Is fine." Arcturus let out a dry chuckle, "Better after Peverell gave her a small lesson to improve her casting. The boy has power and talent to spare." Dorea hummed before Arcturus continued, "Cousin I do agree with you. Peverell is hiding something yet there is nothing to be done. Yet." He had repeaded the word once he saw Dorea move to question. Dorea turned away from him, her hand running over the nearby bookshelf. Arcturus turned back to his own readings, knowing that Dorea was going to be quiet and mull over her own thoughts.

Dorea considered Arcturus' position on the matter. She acknowledged his political acumen in dealing with other families and Lords. Yet her worry over her boy remained at the forefront. She tried to push it away, focusing on the spines of the books infront of her. She ran her hand over the books, trying to get her mind to switch. She read the titles, thinking about the books she had read here in her youth. Her worry slowly faded from the forefront during this time.

A particular title pulled at her mind as she passed it over. Opening it up she began to skim through the book. Her eyes falling over a particular passage. She read it over a few times, absorbing the information. As she read it she remembered a passage from the Potter library on ancient Coven interpretations.

"Silsby." The elf popped infront of her, "Please bring Andromeda to the library. I need to talk to her."

"Yes Mistress Potter."

Dorea grabbed the book before heading back towards Arcturus desk. It was only a few moments after she arrived that Andromeda entered the library. Arcturus seemed surprised at Andromeda's entrance and turned towards his cousin.

"Andromeda, do you mind recounting your time through the grove."

The young woman recalled the vision. Arcturus let his confusion show as he watched Dorea pour over the book infront of her. Andromeda finished he retelling and Dorea remained focused on her book. Andromeda looked towards her grandfather who shrugged in response. They sat in silence waiting for Dorea to speak on the issues. Eventually the silence waned on Arcturus' nerves.

"Dorea? What is it?" Dorea passed him the book, "The Spring of Life? What does this have to do with anything?"

"How do most people interpret the Spring of Life?"

Arcturus looked to Andromeda who took that as her cue to speak, "Common thought is that it revolves around the fertility associated with spring. Old Coven's used to base rituals around life and rebirth in that era. Most assume it was based on the gather and harvest."

Dorea nodded, "Anything else?"

Andromeda shook her head but Arcturus responded instead, "Most scholars ignore the original text, focusing on the actions that they took rather than the words that inspired it."

Andromeda looked confused at Arcturus' explanation, however she focused on her great aunt. Dorea smiled as she continued the explanation, "The rituals conducted by the Coven's gave life to the land. When one village asked why the Coven performed this the answer was that the Coven would give life to the land that would give life to one to save magic. Every time they would leave a tree would grow. As long as that tree was alive, the village would prosper, giving life to all it touched."

Andromeda took in her breath, "Like the vision."

"Dorea what are you trying to say?" Arcturus questioned

"Coven's use trees as a mechanism for life. But the rituals purpose wasn't to protect the land for the people, but to protect for the future of magic."

Arcturus tsked, "Dorea its mostly accepted that Merlin was the one the coven's were preparing for."

"Rosier was an idiot, and willfully ignored any evidence to the contrary." Arcturus raised his eyebrow as Dorea pushed the book over to Andromeda, "Read that passage Andromeda."

Andromeda held the book, "Merlin was considered to be the architect of the Statute of Secrecy, causing all forms of magic to be hidden from the mundane world. Yet he allowed one ritual to continue unabated: the Spring of Life. Certain covens in keeping with the old ways would continue to travel the world, uttering the blessings of life to places that would need it the most. They would bless the land, preparing for what many would eventually name as a savior."

Arcturus leaned back in his chair, "They covens didn't consider Merlin as the savior."

Andromeda spoke up, "No. Magic didn't consider the ritual fulfilled."

There was a silence that descended between the three of them. Finally it was Arcturus that broke it after several long moments, "Dorea, tell Charlus to clear his schedule in two days time. Something is coming, and magic may have just given us the ability to stop it."

Dorea nodded before making her way out of the library. She offered one last promise to Andromeda to continue researching into the issue before leaving the two Blacks alone in the silence of the library.

Harry made his way throughout the designated guest areas of the stronghold. He enjoyed the market areas and found that the stronghold served as a waystation for a variety of traders. He gathered that several different tribes would use the stronghold as neutral ground to trade for the resources they needed. Harry only bartered for some necessities and goods that he had gone through on his travels. The number of magical cultures represented specifically in the market was awe-inspiring to Harry.

However, at this moment he was making his way towards the sparring and training grounds. There was an area that allowed guests to visit the area. He was sure that the allowance was solely so guests understood just how deadly the Amazons could be. Harry watched as a younger woman was sparring against someone older. They were using swords and light shields. Though the movements were foreign to him he recognized the aspect of training. Though admittedly he wasn't sure how the training was really progressing. The older woman wasn't really teaching or talking, instead seeming to rely on the student learning from the actions. He chose to study the movements of both people. There was a similarity he appreciated towards looking and watching the same muscle groups as if they were dueling with magic. Harry lost himself as he observed the duel.

Some unknown amount of time later the same Captain returned to Harry. She joined him in watching the spar, the trainee having long since changed. "The Queen needs to know what boon you ask."

Harry gives the Captain an appraising look before smiling, "Then she should send a Speaker to question me."

The Captain nods before both turn back to the spar. She waits a bit before speaking again, "I'm told you've spent most of your time here."

"The use of the sword is intriguing to me. I wasn't aware people still used the Ancient weapons."

"Ancient does not mean unfounded." The Captain answered.

Harry tilts his head in acknowledgement before turning back to the spar. They watch as the young woman continually gets thrashed around. The trainer only yells again. Giving no further instruction or correction. "Your instructor is shit."

Harry didn't look at the Captain so missed her raised eyebrow. However, both knew that the instructor heard what was said. Harry did feel the two guards that had been shadowing him move closer but didn't turn to face them. They watched the trainee get thrashed a couple more times. The trainer sends the younger woman into the fence line near Harry. As the trainee gets up Harry tells her to watch the shoulders, the trainers tense before she makes any movement. However, the trainer was close and heard the advice and begins to yell at Harry.

"What right do you have to question my teachings?" The trainer asks.

"When you actually teach, then maybe I'll care."

"If they are too dumb to realize how not to get hit then that's on them."

Harry scoffed, "And that's why you're a shit instructor."

The trainer begins to move closer towards the two before the captain intervenes, "That's enough. The man raises a point, we are here to build strength not beat down on those coming to learn. Teach the young to become stronger or go somewhere else and I'll bring someone else more ambitious in."

The trainer hesitated before turning back to the trainee, grudgingly turning the session into one of learning. The captain pulls Harry away, knowing that his presence will just be continually anger the trainer. "You have some knowledge of combat."

Harry scoffed, "Have definitely had a trial by fire with it."

The Captain chuckles, "The best warriors do. The Queen still needs to know of your boon."

Harry turns towards the Captain stopping their stroll, "My business remains my own. If she wants to know then she will send a Speaker in her stead."

"And whats to stop us from getting your answer by force?"

"The doom of a people." Harry responded.

He saw the small shock resonate amongst the Captains face. He hears a sword being drawn behind him. The magic around him starts to swell. The tip of the sword has rested in between his shoulder blades, yet Harry does not turn to face the threat.

The guard behind him speaks, "You claim Guest Rights then speak of our doom? I should kill you where you stand."

Harry looks over his shoulder, "When did I threaten your people?"

The Captain looks over and tells the guard to lower her sword. The Guard hesitates which causes the order to be given again. After that the guard says she can't. The captain moves to speak but stops as she watches Harry turn around the sword remaining exactly where it was. Harry raises and flexes his hand, causing the sword to raise in turn.

Harry's voice is low as he speaks, "The thing about threatening someone is to make sure that they either fear you, or you can back up whatever threat you make."

A pulse of Harry's magic sends the guard back a few steps. In that time the second guard steps in and moves to restrain Harry. Not drawing her sword she goes into grapple. However, Harry counters her movement and sends her into a wall with another pulse of his magic.

"Enough!" A voice booms out, filled with magic.

Harry immediately relaxes his stance as he sees a woman garbed in ceremonial robes surrounded by four guards in intricate armor. He also notices that the Captain never moved throughout the entire altercation.

The first guard begins to speak up, "The man attacked…"

The woman in ceremonial robes sends a pulse of magic causing the guard to impact the same wall that her compatriot did just moments earlier. She takes a few steps forward before speaking, "The man is under Guest Rights. We will speak of your failure later."

She signals for Harry to follow. Harry falls into step a few paces behind, the four guards enveloping him in a protective formation as they walk towards the palace. It is only as they have turned the first corner does he realize that the Captain has not followed.

A/N: Thank you for reading. Any review or feedback remains greatly appreciated. Posting schedule will remain regular throughout October but the length of chapters will be slightly shorter for next few weeks. Follow link in bio to get the full information. Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Next Chapter: October 9th