Magical Origins
Year 2: The Vassals
Harry looks at the large house or was it a mansion in surprise.
"My home, my lord, you'll find everything you need here," Samuel said as he walks forward with Harry in tow.
"We're home," Samuel called as he opens the door.
"You're early, did the muggles cause you trouble?" Olivia Wynter said as she steps out.
"No," Samuel said as he walks into the dining room.
Having never been inside a magical household, Harry took his time to look around. Much like Hogwarts, things seem to be moving around on their own.
"Merlin's beard, Harry Potter." A man said as the dining table.
"Henry, you're early," Samuel said as he walks up to him. The man named Henry had a beard and sharp brown eyes. The two embraced warmly before Samuel lets go alone, the man to turn his attention to Harry.
"When we heard there might be trouble, we came right away." A young woman said as she enters the room.
"Ava, you're here too," Samuel said. Ava had blond hair and blue eyes, like Artemis, she was stunning.
"Harry Potter," Ava said as she looks at him. "It has been many years since I last saw you."
Two more adults walk in as well as two children and a boy who Harry could have sworn he saw at Hogwarts.
"Awe yes, introductions. My Lord, this is Henry Morgan, he is head of the Morgan family and a Vassal that serves under you. His wife, Isabelle Morgan. Their son, Edward Morgan, who just graduated Hogwarts last year."
"I never saw you," Harry stated as he looks at Edward.
"I was in Hufflepuff, my lord. Besides, Artemis kept me up to date with you," Edward said calmly.
"I'm so proud of my son, top marks, and the Headboy as well." Isabelle Morgan said as she beams with pride.
"This here is Ethan Pearce, his wife Ruby Pearce and their children Evelyn Pearce and Lucas Pearce."
"Hello," Harry said as he looks at them. Evelyn looks like she was nine or ten years old, while Lucas looks almost eleven. "Starting Hogwarts soon?" Harry asks.
"Next year," Lucas stated.
"Ava Wynter is my niece, as young and reckless as she is, she is my ward after…" Samuel said but stops as he couldn't go on.
Harry said nothing. It was clear Ava lost her parents in the war.
"The Morgan's, as well as the Pearce's along with the Wynter's, make up your House Vassals," Samuel said, clearly getting over what he was feeling.
"I need to know how that works," Harry said slowly.
"Everything will be explained in time, but first, we need to know why you weren't responding to Artemis's letters." Samuel Wynter asks.
Harry sighs as he sits down.
"It wasn't that I didn't respond. I sent several letters to Artemis, but I got no response." Harry said.
"I never got any letters," Artemis said as she walks in the dining room.
"I know, I found out a House-Elf has been intercepting my mail," Harry said. He then explains everything about Dobby and what he said. No one said a word as they listen to him explain what happened at the Dursley's.
"So, in other words, this house-elf tried to stop you from returning to Hogwarts because terrible things are going to happen," Samuel said.
"Have you've heard of any trouble during the board meetings?" Olivia asks her husband.
"None," Samuel replies. "Though Lucius has a smug look on his face lately." He added.
"Board?" Harry asks.
"The Hogwarts Board of Governors. They oversee the school and make sure everything is up to date." Olivia Wynter said in a calm voice. "There are twelve members, my husband Samuel is one of the members. Lucius Malfoy is also a member and the current chairman of the board. His authority nearly rivals Dumbledore's own."
"They have great power," Artemis said as she sits down. "They can even shut down the school or even set new decrees into the school."
"Isn't that Dumbledore's job?" Harry asks.
"No, Dumbledore may run the school, but the Governors are the ones who set the rules. Dumbledore's job is to provide the best education for the students." Henry Morgan said.
"We'll alert our house-elves to on the alert in case that house-elf decides to show up again," Samuel said.
"Wait, what?" Harry said.
A small elf appeared to bring tea and orange juice to Harry.
"You didn't know?" Samuel said in surprise.
"I never told him, I tend to forget there are many things he doesn't know," Artemis admitted.
"What is a house-elf?" Harry asks.
"We are servants." The little elf said in a small squeaky voice. This one, Harry had to guess, was a female.
"How does that work?" Harry said slowly.
"House-elves have powerful magic," Artemis said in a slow voice. She seemed to have to guess what Harry was thinking. "Their magic can be a bit unstable and can kill them. To save them, house-elves form bonding contracts, to serve a family to keep their magic under control."
"So, are they slaves or servants?" Harry asks slowly.
"That depends on the family they serve. I know the families under you treat our house-elves like servants even as part of the family. Other families mistreat their house-elves."
"Dobby said a house-elf can only be freed if they've given clothes. Don't they desire freedom?" Harry said in confusion.
"Say no more." The little house-elf said in terror. She had clasped her hands over her ears as if Harry had done something terrible to her. Almost as she was afraid he was going to hit her.
"I don't understand…" Harry said slowly.
"When a family gives house-elves clothes, they set them free. However, in doing so, it's also like giving them a death sentence." Samuel said in a slow voice.
"What do you mean?" Harry said, dreading the answer.
"You heard that house-elf magic is control through the family, and works under a bounding contract. Once that contract is revoked, their magic becomes loose and wild. Then, they slowly die. A family controls the magic and keeps them alive. If they are free, they will die. Freeing a house-elf is the same as killing them. Many house-elves rather be mistreated than have freedom. I know many families take advantage of this fact."
"I didn't know…" Harry said.
"Ignorance can't always be an excuse. However, you can rest assured, we don't mistreat our elves. We make sure they're always given the best attention and care." Samuel said.
"Now, how does this lord thing work. You can understand my shock because this is all new to me." Harry said.
"Being muggle raised, it can't help you don't know. The way of the magical world works differently than the muggle world." Samuel Wynter said. "You see, we rule ourselves through regions, not muggle sovereign territories. Each region has twelve ruling families. These families are well known for having an old bloodline, as well as being responsible for bringing the region together. The Potters are an old family, dating back centuries. Even a millennium. They originally came from here as settlers from the Gallia Region. They then rebelled against the Italia Governors, siding with the Britannia and successfully push them out, making Britannia an independent region."
"What are you talking about?" Harry said slowly.
"Much of history of magic is based off some of the muggles own," Artemis said.
"Binns is a terrible teacher if all he talks about is Goblin rebellions. The magical world has a rich history that all students should learn about." Samuel said with a snort.
"Can't you get Dumbledore to replace Binns?" Harry asks.
"He's right, dad," Artemis said. "Most of my history are things you told me and the books I've read in our family library. Hogwarts should be teaching this instead of Binns every year going on about Goblin Rebellions."
"I'll bring it up at the next board meeting," Samuel said.
"To begin, the first record of the first wizards and witches appeared in ancient Greeks. The Athenian Region. They had many academies and competed with each other. When the Italia Region rose, they conquered much of the land. Including the Athenian Region, Gallia Region, Hispania Region, Aegyptus Region, and Britannia Region. They had trouble though against Germania Region. However, no one had ever conquered so many regions in history. The earliest traces of your family can begin in the Gallia Region under the rule of the Italia Region. However, for reasons unknown, they broke off ties and rebelled. They help fund the Britannia Region." Olivia Wynter said as she lectures slowly.
"Is the Britannia Region…" Harry said.
"The Muggles call the Britannia Region England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. Muggles have fought for these independence and unification, however for the magical world, we united since the year 411, a year after the Italia or as they called themselves, Roman's left."
"In muggle history, the Romans face a lot of problems. Uprising and coups soon became a daily thing for them. Even the Germanic tribes soon started to threaten the Empire." Harry stated.
"That's correct, Roman's face a lot of problems. Gallia had risen against them; Germanic wizards attack, and they had lost the Athenians who were trying to regain control. While this was happening, the Britannia's were growing stronger. Free from the Roman influence, they started to form their own government and leadership. Following the system of the Romans, the twelve most powerful and influential families were chosen to lead Britannia. However, as Britannia's strength grew, so did the twelve families. That soon created conflicts. Families seeking to gain power and influence over each other. However, they were limited to just their families. They began to look for outside help. Other families, to support them." Olivia said.
"That is where the Vassals of the Lords came into play. Families seeking to gain power and influence join an Ancient and Noble House as a Vassal's." Samuel said.
"It is a great honor to be a Vassal to a Great House. You represent your Lord's honor and bring honor to your own. The Morgan's are an old family, but we aren't founding members of Britannia, rather our family grew to power in the sixteenth century. Potter's discovered us and made my family a Vassal. I can say with pride that I served the Potter's for many years." Henry Morgan said.
"It took nearly two centuries of families building Vassals before the first major war broke out in Britannia. A civil war. The very first. House York, and House Lancaster." Olivia Wynter said.
"Wait, I know those houses," Harry said.
"Muggle would know them as well. While muggles did fight in this war, this was also a magical family dispute. It lasted thirty years before the York's surrender unconditionally."
"The War of Roses," Harry said.
"That's correct. The Potter's who, at the time, went by the name Peverell was dragged into the war for House York. House York, lost the support of the Peverell's, when the Peverell's left, they lost the war." Ethan Pearce said.
"At the time, House Peverell was one of the most powerful houses and families in the region. Dispute withdrawing, they were called the strongest. They suggested a way to end the families dispute once and for all. The suggestion creating a House of Commons for witches and wizards who were not a part of the Great Houses yet would have the right to rule alongside them. They also put in place, electing a leader to guide them to prevent future disputes." Isabelle Morgan said.
"They just agreed to that?" Harry said, not sure that the other Great Houses would agree to it.
"It took many years before it was set in place, but no one wanted to challenge House Peverell, who was called the strongest Great House of the Region. The war was also costly, as many witches and wizards were killed." Ethan Pearce said.
"Is my family really that great?" Harry said in shock.
"The Potter's grew to be one of the greatest Great Houses Britannia has ever seen. A Vassals purpose isn't just to bring honor to their Great House they're sworn to, but to defend them as well. Things were going well until The Great Magical War began." Henry Morgan said.
"The war with Grindelwald," Harry said.
"That's right, at the time, our Minister of Magic was Leonard Spencer-Moon did not respond immediately to the Dark Lord Grindelwald. Charles Potter, your great-grandfather, took great concern about Grindelwald's action. If the International Status of Magical Secrecy were broken, it would have meant war. If war broke out between muggles and wizards, then the death toll would have risen to cataphoretic rates. Entire families would have been wiped out. Charles Potter took his Vassals and met with Grindelwald forces on the battlefield. It wasn't until 1945, when Dumbledore took out Grindelwald that peace was restored, until the rise of You-Know-Who." Samuel Wynter said.
"When You-Know-Who first rose to power, no one really took the threat seriously. Everyone first thought it was an upstart wizard trying to make a name for himself. It soon turned into a war, when he killed your great-grandfather in a duel." Olivia Wynter said slowly.
"Killing your opponent in a duel is forbidden. Duels are meant to be a test of skills, not putting your life on the line. Everyone was shocked at what he did. The Ministry of Magic had no choice to arrest him and throw him into Azkaban." Henry Morgan said.
"Azkaban?" Harry said.
"It's a magical prison. A place no witch or wizard ever wants to end up." Artemis said.
"Only, he had followers, and they started attacking witches and wizards who refuse to side with them or agree with their ideas." Olivia Wynter said.
"The Nineteen Seventies were filled with terror. Death Eaters attack at random, and the Aurors were being pushed back. The Potter's under your grandfather, Lord Fleamont Potter, was one of many families trying to fight the Dark Lord. However, he would die at the hands of the Dark Lord when James was very young." Ethan Pearce said.
"James did his best to continue the war as he lost both his grandfather and father to the Dark Lord. It wasn't just the Potter's who suffered… we all… suffered loses." Olivia said as she tries to hold herself together.
"The Potter's once had over thirty Vassals under them. However, many of these families became extinct after You-Know-Who killed them. Now, only three of us remain." Isabelle Morgan said with a sad voice.
Harry said nothing, he once had a large family. It was taken from him.
"What does that make me?" Harry asks slowly.
"You are our lord. When you become of age, you will sit as one of the twelve families that govern Britannia. Part of being a Lord of a Great House, means you have to make decisions that are best for every witch and wizard as well as the magical creatures in the magical world. However, you have to wait till you're of age before your voice can be heard or have a vote." Samuel Wynter said.
"How does a vote work if it's a tie?" Harry asks.
"The Minister of Magic is the tie broker. Each Great House is allowed a voice to state their reasons behind the law or decree of their decision. The Minister of Magic then decides the final verdict." Olivia Wynter said.
"You know, House Potter's voice has been silent too long…" Isabelle Morgan said.
"You can't be serious, he's not ready!" Ruby Peace said in a sharp tone.
"He doesn't have to sit, rather he can have one of us sit in his place. You know, as well as I do when a Lord is too young, he has the right name a Regent Lord to speak in his name until he becomes of age."
"What are you talking about?" Harry asks in confusion.
"House Potter's voice has been silenced in the House of Lords for nearly fourteen years. We will have to wait another five years before you can sit in the House of Lords. However, there is a loophole to this rule." Isabelle Morgan said as she explains what she had planned. "You have the right to choose any member of your Vassal's to speak in your name."
"Explain how that works," Harry asks, trying to grasp the situation.
"It's simple, you would have the right to choose any of us to speak in your name. We make decisions and be able to cast votes for House Potter. This is, of course, if you are pleased with our decision."
"This isn't a way to usurp my position?" Harry said,
"No, a Vassal isn't allowed to usurp his Lord's position. We are like a steward in your seat. The final decision, when you come of age, will be you to decide. Even if any of us wanted to, the magical oaths we have to House Potter would have dire consequences if we betray you." Samuel Wynter said calmly.
"What do you mean?" Harry asks.
"It depends on the Great Family." Isabelle Morgan said. "The Potter's were once paranoid, believing a Vassal would usurp them. If anyone of us betrays you, the magical oath will activate, and we'll become squibs."
"Squibs?"
"Meaning we'll lose our magic. That's not the only thing, we'll lose everything. The only way to not lose our magic, as well as everything we own, is to separate from you." Ruby Pearce said.
"Meaning we just part ways," Harry said.
"That's correct. If any of us believe we no longer have any value in serving you, then we'll break ties and leave. Norby," Olivia Wynter said as she called out. An old house-elf walks forward as quickly as possible.
"You called Mistress?" He said.
"Yes, please get the Book of Lords."
"At once, mistress." The house-elf said at once.
The elf quickly disappears only to reappear with a large and old book in his hands.
"Thank you, Norby," Olivia said as she took the book.
"When was the last time you look at that book?" Isabelle asks as she tried not to sneeze form all the dust coming off of it.
"It's been years. No real change has happened to the Great Families." Olivia Wynter said as she opens the book up. She flips the few pages until she stops.
"This book magically updates and notifies us who belongs to whom. As you can see, House Potter…" Olivia said as she shows the book to Harry.
"Has no head," Harry said, looking at the two black portraits. He looks down below it and sees himself as 'Heir.'
"When do I become the head?" Harry asks.
"When you turn seventeen. That's the age of becoming an adult in the magical world." Artemis said.
"Look on the next page," Olivia said, pointing to the top. It said 'House Potter Vassal's.'
Harry looks at it carefully.
House Wynter; head Samuel Wynter and Olivia Wynter. Heir Artemis Wynter.
House Morgan; head Henry Morgan and Isabelle Morgan. Heir Edward Morgan.
House Pearce; head Ethan Pearce and Ruby Pearce. Heir Lucas Pearce.
"This book magically updates itself?" Harry said in surprise.
"Indeed, so anything happens to a magical family, others will know right away. Especially who is allied to a Great Family." Edward Morgan said.
"As you can see, we remained loyal to House Potter. We could have left at any time and leave you alone, we chose to stay." Henry Morgan.
"Why didn't you," Harry said.
"I beg your pardon, my lord?" Henry said in shock.
"If you were loyal, why didn't I live with you instead of…" Harry began, but Samuel Wynter cut him off.
"That fault is not ours, my lord. That night, when you lose your mother and father, we rushed immediately to you as soon as we heard. Only Dumbledore had gotten to you first and place you with your muggle relatives." Samuel Wynter said.
"We fought Dumbledore for years to gain custody of you. However, he had two things on his side that allowed him to keep you with your aunt and uncle. First, the law states a child will live with their closest blood relative. As we have no blood relations to you, your family had the right to keep you. The second…" Olivia began.
"The second was the hardest to argue against. Death Eaters were still searching for you. Dumbledore told us that you would be safe in the muggle world instead of our homes. He had asked us to wait until you return to the magical world before revealing ourselves to you." Isabelle Morgan said.
"We fought for many years to have you return." Ethan Pearce said strongly. "Dumbledore remains unmoved to have you stay with one of us and insisted you stay with your muggle relatives."
"We should have put up a stronger fight, we know this, but Dumbledore convinces us otherwise to leave you alone. That you weren't to bear such a burden." Ruby Peace said.
"Such a burden is too much for any child to bear. It's for that reason, we agreed to keep our distance." Olivia Wynter said.
Harry said nothing.
He was stuck in a hard place. He knew they were right, he wouldn't have been ready to bear such a burden at such a young age. He would shudder at the thought if he became like Malfoy or Ron Weasley. Perhaps it was a good thing he was kept away from his burdens. It didn't mean he had to like living with the Dursley's.
However, he was a water elemental, he controlled ice, and like ice, he had to keep a cool head.
"You spoke of me appointing a Regent Lord. How would that work?" Harry said, looking at them.
"It's simple, my lord, you would choose one of us to speak in your name. We would not only speak to you but offer you guidance and advice on many matters." Ethan Pearce said calmly.
"I don't want to sound rude, but I hardly know any of you. I don't know who would be best to do this." Harry said slowly.
"True, perfectly true." Olivia Wynter said calmly.
"Who among you would be best? Someone the rest can trust?" Harry asks.
"In most traditions," Ruby Peace said slowly. "The Vassal who has served the longest to the Great Family would have this honor." She turns to Henry Morgan.
"House Morgan?" Harry said in surprise. He was expecting the Wynter's to be his oldest.
"My family has served House Potter for over four hundred years." Henry Morgan said with pride. "My ancestor was Owen Morgan, a gifted wizard. Saw a chance to improve magical imports and goods. However, no one would fund his idea or give him a chance. Until the Potter family got involved. They invested in his idea and repaid them back, doubling their investment. As a reward for his hard work, he was given the honor to serve the Potter's as a Vassal. The Morgan family is known for importing magical goods all over the world, even to this day."
Harry was surprised. Then again, it would make sense if the magical world had to move around magical goods.
"However," Henry Morgan said as he looks at Harry. "While it is true I would have this honor, the truth is if you want the best results… then Samuel Wynter is your best opinion." He said, turning to the Samuel Wynter.
"Why?" Harry asks.
"Samuel already uses to dealing with people like the Great Houses. He sits on the Hogwarts Board of Governors and has the best experience in the many discussions the House of Lords would be debating over. I don't have the right experience to take on such a responsibility." Henry Morgan said.
"Would the rest of you be happy if Mister Wynter…"
"You can call us by our names, my lord, no need to add sir or madam," Samuel said with a smile.
"Right, are all of you happy with this decision?" Harry said.
"Samuel would be the best choice." Ruby Pearce said. "As you get older, he can teach how to deal with the House of Lords. As well as politics."
"Is this Regent Lord only limited to one person?" Harry asks.
"That's an interesting question, truth be told no it is not. You can have another speak as well." Olivia Wynter said.
"Well, it got me thinking," Harry said slowly. "While Samuel Wynter speaks for me, someone should still help him, as an advisor," Harry said.
"He's a smart boy, much like Lily." Isabelle Morgan said with a smile.
"If my husband is going to have an advisor, then the best person for that position would be…" Ruby Pearce said as everyone turns to look at Isabelle Morgan. She smiles, slyly.
"I am chosen because I was a quick and sharp tongue. It makes sense I'm the second choice." Isabelle Morgan stated calmly.
"Then it's decided. Er, how do I make it official?" Harry asks.
They smiled and told Harry to write it down on parchment and seal it with the Potter seal. Harry looks at the book again and sees that both Samuel Wynter and Isabelle Morgan were both name Regent Lord and Lady.
"Now, enough talk, let's eat. You must be starving." Olivia Wynter said as the house-elves all brought the food to the table.
Author Notes: Twelve Families with absolute power. Harry Potter has discovered he is destined to rule Briton when he becomes of Age. The Morgan's - The Wynter's - The Pearce are loyal Vassals that serve under him.
Hope everyone enjoys,
please R&R
