Magical Origins

Year 2: The Rogue Bludger

Lily was discharged first thing in the morning. The first thing she did was look for Ron and Hermione in the Great Hall. Unfortunately, she had transfiguration the first thing and couldn't rest. Or talk to them.

"Good morning class," Professor McGonagall said.

"Good morning Professor McGonagall." The class chanted.

Lily had her hand raised immediately.

"Yes, Miss Morris, you have something you like to asks."

"Professor, I've kept hearing about this, but I'm not sure what it means. What are the Great Houses and the Vassals?"

Professor McGonagall looks around to see many students paying attention.

"How many of you are aware of our customs and traditions?" She asks.

Only a handful of students raised their hands. Hermione Granger not being one of them.

"Very well, I shall explain in the short time we do have. Our earliest record of magical communities began with the Ancient Athenians. They believed twelve wizards and witches should rule over all magical beings. Ancient muggles believe they were gods and called them Olympians. However, this rule passed on to the Romans, to the Gaul's even to the Britons. Until it spread worldwide. Twelve families rule the region as they see fit."

Hermione raised her hand.

"Yes, Miss Granger?"

"Professor, I don't understand. What do you mean by Regions?"

"I know many of you come from the muggle world. The Magical World governs itself; differently, we do not have sovereign borders; We rule through Regions. The muggle territories of Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are Britons. That's what we are. Britons, we do not subject our rule to the muggles instead of governing ourselves. While we do have a Minister of Magic, the Minister of Magic is head that is elected. While he holds great power, the true master of Briton, are the twelve families."

"Like the Potter's," Lily said slowly. Professor McGonagall looks at her sharply.

"Yes, Potter's are one of the twelve." Professor McGonagall said softly.

"Can you use Harry and Artemis as an example?" Lily asks.

"It is no polite to talk about them." Professor McGonagall said.

"It's okay Professor, I don't mind," Harry said.

"Very well, Harry Potter is the next in line to rule House Potter. He is currently the heir of the Potter Family. Right now, he has no real voice, this gives him the right to appoint a Regent Lord in his place."

"What's a Regent Lord Professor?" Hermione asks.

"Someone who speaks and votes on behalf of their Lord. In this case, Artemis Wynter's father, Samuel Wynter, is Mister Potter's Regent Lord. This gives House Potter a vote in the House of Lords. The ruling body of the Briton. Now, disputes between the Great Families are forbidden. It cannot result in violence. However, that is not always the case. Many people seek to eliminate any of the twelve families.

In many cases, replace them with their own family. To show off their power as well as defend from attacks, the Great Families have Vassals. Families and Houses that serve under them. Sworn to protect them, as well as eliminate their enemies." Professor McGonagall said slowly.

"How does the relationship between the Great Families and the Vassals work exactly," Lily asks.

"Families that served a Great House swear magical oath's," said Professor McGonagall. The Head of the Family general makes all the decisions regarding the future of their house and region. The Vassals also served as muggles would call them, Lieutenant Governors. Now, these oaths can only be sworn in willingly. The Vassals are aware of… consequences should they break their vows or betray their Masters. I'm sure many of you have seen Artemis Wynter defend Mister Potter, even against members of her own house."

Many students nod their heads.

"That is because she is sworn to defend her master from all harm. In this case, Harry Potter is her Lord and Master. She is sworn to serve him until she dies, or Mister Potter releases her."

"You mean she's a slave!" Hermione said in shocked.

"She's not a slave." Harry hissed.

"No matter how you say it, you enslaved her." Hermione shouted.

'No, Hermione. It's different. If there are twelve families and over a million witches and wizards, then that means they have enemies. People who seek to usurp them.' Lily thought. 'This means that the Wynter's allies to the Potter's. Sworn to defend Harry from harm and from those who seek to harm him.'

"Professor, are the Vassals also a means to defend them from witches and wizards who seek to remove them," Lily asks.

"That's correct. There have been many rebellions and revolts in the past to remove the twelve families. Now, as you imagine, the Vassals also make up the Great Families military power. They have great pull and powerful influence. Now it is considered a great honor to serve a Great Family. I know for a fact that countless witches and wizards seek to serve a Great Family."

"Why?" Hermione asks.

"Because they're rich," Ron said.

"That is rude, Mister Weasley. But it's also true. The Great Families can trace their origins over a thousand years. In some cases, to the very beginning of the Regions birth. They're also are powerful wizards and witches. Almost all the Great Families have a Spellbook of Mastery, more commonly known as the Book of Shadows."

"What is that, Professor?" A Hufflepuff student asks.

"The Book of Shadows is scarce spellbooks. They contain rare and powerful magic. Even rare and powerful potions. These books alone are worth hundreds of millions of Galleons." Professor McGonagall said.

"Do all the Great Families have them?" A Ravenclaw student asks excitedly.

"No, but many do." Professor McGonagall said. "The Great Families are known for also being successful and protecting the Region. However, in doing so, they also have many enemies. Harry Potter, when he becomes of age, will sit on the House of Lords and decide how we Britons should move forward."

"Professor, who are the current Great Families?" Lily asks.

"If you are interested to know who they are, you can look up the Book of Lords in the Library. Now enough chatter, we should have started the lesson thirty minutes ago," Professor McGonagall said. She turns to the class and begins their lesson.

Hermione Granger didn't let this drop. Indeed, when Harry walked in the Great Hall with Artemis, Hermione confronted him.

"What do you want, buck-teeth," Harry asks, taking note that everyone was paying attention to their conversation.

"I want you to release her," Hermione said in her bossy like tone.

"Release her, why would I want to do that?" Harry said in a mock tone of voice.

"She's a slave. Slavery isn't allowed…" Hermione began but stops when Harry chuckled.

"Artemis," Harry said without even looking at her. "Do you wish me to set you free."

"That's a foolish question, I live to serve you," Artemis stated calmly.

"You've been brainwash into something you don't want." Hermione shrieked out.

Artemis narrows her eyes.

"For your information, I chose this life. I'm quite happy living my life as a servant to my Lord, Harry Potter. All Vassals must accept this role in their life… willingly!" Artemis said.

"Do you understand how wrong it is to keep a slave? How inhumane that is!" Hermione shouted.

"You're the one who doesn't understand what you are asking Granger," Harry stated in a high cold voice. "Slavery has never been a part of the Magical World. Yet what you're asking me to do, what you're asking all families to do, would be the end of us all." Harry said in a cold voice.

"It's wrong, you can't go around making people and children into slaves!" Hermione shouted.

"You really need to check your facts before accusing me of such slander Granger," Harry growled out.

"I'm warning you, I'll report you!" Hermione said.

Harry let out a bark of laughter.

"You're really stupid. I thought you were intelligent. Or was that misleading." Artemis said slowly as a smile found itself on her lips.

"I believe in freedom and equality for all!" Hermione said.

"You do not know what you speak of," Artemis said coldly. "Nor the power you dare challenge. Do you truly understand the consequences you are testing right now?" Artemis looks down at the younger witch with amusement in her eyes.

"I won't stop until he frees you," Hermione stated.

"Then let it be. Hermione Granger, I challenge you…" Artemis began, but at that moment, Fred and George walk up and grab Hermione and drags her back to the Lions Table.

"Sorry about that." They chirped.

Artemis narrows her eyes before Harry turns and walks to the Serpent Table. Artemis follows him.

"Don't ever do that again." Fred and George said together as they sit Hermione down.

"If I could just free her…" Hermione began.

"You don't understand Hermione, she's not a slave. She's a servant." Angelina Johnson said.

"She's been brainwash…" Hermione began.

"No, she hasn't." Lee Jordan said, shaking his head.

"Before any Vassal takes their oaths, they are given a chance to back out of it. The oaths they take must be taken willingly. However, you were seeking to challenge a Great House. That's suicide. Artemis Wynter has the right to defend her master and challenge you to a Shadow Duel." George Weasley said.

"Shadow Duel?" Hermione said.

"Something more advances then a magical duel. You see, in a magical duel, it's merely to tests one skill against another. Shadow duel is more dangerous. Lethal spells are legal, as well as the fact the loser can lose a lot more than just their magic." Fred said.

"Artemis Wynter was just about to challenge you to one. You had verbally attack House Potter. That's suicide. She was well within her rights to curse you right there, and the Professors wouldn't have done anything to stop her." Katie Bell said.

"A Vassal will always protect their lords. Sometimes, even to death. Had Fred or George not intervene, you would be in the hospital wing right now." Alicia Spinnet.

"But…"

"The Great Families, before they had Vassals face countless attacks and people trying to eliminate them." Wood said slowly. "Artemis Wynter is Harry Potter's shield and sword at Hogwarts. If he is attacked by another student, she is sworn to come to his aid."

"I don't understand," Hermione said.

"Put it this way, Hermione," Lily said as he finally looks up from her book. "If Harry didn't have Artemis Wynter watching him. Then countless students would kill him in his sleep."

"You must be joking," Hermione said to Lily.

"She's right." Several Gryffindor said.

"It would happen." Others said in agreement.

Several students who were familiar with the history of the magical world also nod their heads.

"The Wynter's are fiercely loyal. They will not leave Harry. No student will dare try to harm Harry Potter because he is protected by powerful families. Now that the Potter's have rejoined the House of Lords, that gives them even greater power. That means great consequences." Percy said. He turns back to Artemis and narrows his eyes. A scowl enters his face.

"It would be a huge honor to serve under the Potters. They are called the strongest house among the Great Houses. Few houses would even dare challenge them." Fred said.

"Ron challenges Harry all the time," Hermione said.

"No, he's barking," Lily said. "He doesn't bite. Ron knows full well if he pushes it too far, then his family will suffer great consequences."

"What do you mean?" Hermione asks as sweat begins to fall down her face.

"If you're not careful, Hermione, they can throw you in Azkaban." Lee Jordan said.

"Azkaban?" Hermione said in confusion.

"A Magical Prison. One of the worse in our world. No one who enters Azkaban ever comes back out. Those who commit serious crimes are sent there." Katie Bell said.

"Attacking a Great House isn't a smart thing to do." Angelina Johnson replies. "If you attack them, and their Vassals believe you are a threat to their lord, they have rights to kill."

"You mean?" Hermione said.

"Artemis Wynter would have killed you where you stood had you continue your verbal attack on Potter," Percy said.

"Everyone knows not to attack or touch a member of a Great House. Not even their Vassals. They're off-limits." Lee Jordan said.

"But they keep slaves." Hermione began.

"Hermione, Vassals, are not slaves," Lily said. "I've been doing my own research, what they're doing isn't bad…"

"Enough, we got Quidditch." Wood said as he gets up. In doing so, the conversation ends.

Wood got up as did the rest of the Gryffindor team as they made their way to the Quidditch fields.

Lily got up and grabs her broom.

Harry gets up with the Slytherins as they made their way to the field.

"We have better brooms, so we should have the speed. We should win this, or else there will be hell to play." Flint said to his team. He wasn't much a prep talk guy.

"Here comes the Slytherin's, led by team captain Marcus Flint. Joining Flint as Chasers are Harry Potter and Adrian Pucey. The two beaters are Peregrine Derrick and Lucian Bole, their keeper Miles Bletchley and their new Seeker Draco Malfoy." Lee Jordan shouted into the megaphone. The Slytherin's roared with excitement. "Flint seems to prefer size over than skill," Jordan commented. His comment was met by boos from the Slytherin section.

"And here comes the Gryffindor's, led by Captain Oliver Wood! Wood is the team Keeper; the three chasers are some of the best looking girls in all of Hogwarts! Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet and Katie Bell!" His comment was met by tremendous applause from the Gryffindor's. "Follow by Fred and George Weasley. The two best beaters Hogwarts has ever seen. Trailing behind them is the youngest seeker in history, Lily Morris!"

Harry said nothing as he did his laps. Lily was on her broom as well, and they all went to the middle. Madam Hooch was there waiting for them to get into position.

"Not I want a clean game, from all of you." She said, looking at Flint. "Captain, shake hands."

Both Wood and Flint shook hands, both attempting to crush the other's fingers.

"Madam Hooch releases the bludgers follow by the Golden Snitch. Remember, the Golden Snitch is worth a hundred and fifty points. The seeker that catches the snitches ends the game." Lee Jordan said as Madam Hooch waves her wand. "The Quaffle is release, and the game begins!"

Harry immediately bolted forward and grabs the Quaffle. At that moment, a bludger came right at him, but he dodges it. Harry pulls back his arm and heads for the far-left hoop, but he throws it to the lower right circle.

"Potter shoots, Potter scores! Ten to nothing, Slytherin. Captain Oliver Wood passes to Angelina Johnson, Angelina watched out," Jordan shouted.

But it was too late, Harry rams into Angelina knocking the Quaffle out of her hands before grabbing it with the tips of his fingers. He shots forward again and fakes towards the middle hoop. He passes the circles before turning around. He passes to Adrian Pucey, who grabs it and throws it in the central hoop.

"Slytherin scores again! Twenty to nothing! Gryffindor is not out of the woods yet, again, Captain Oliver Wood passes to Angelina Johnson, Angelina watches out Potter is… that was close. Good job, Fred, or is it, George?"

Harry was who was close to another steal was forced to dodge as a bludger attempts to hit him again. Bole flew up and hits the bludger as one of the Weasley's twins, but the bludger changes its direction again and heads straight for Harry. Harry dodges it again.

Angelina looks back and sees Harry closing in on her. She quickly passes to Spinnet and tries to move ahead. Harry punches the Quaffle out of Spinnet's hands and into Marcus Flint's hands. Flint sped off. The Gryffindor team turns around, but Marcus Flint was already closing the gap to the goals.

Harry was forced to dodge another bludger, this one came close to hitting him in the head. He could feel it ruffle his hair through the wind.

'Somethings wrong.' Harry realized.

Ten minutes into the game and Harry was doing all he can to avoid the rogue bludger. It got to the point Bole and Derrick were circling Harry trying to get the bludger away from Harry.

"Slytherin leads sixty to zero, and yes… Oliver Wood calls a timeout."

Harry quickly dives into the Slytherin Pit, avoiding the rogue bludger at the same time.

"We're doing good. Keep this up, and we'll win this for sure." Flint said.

"In case you haven't notice, things are not good." Harry snaps.

"He's right, Flint," Bole said.

"A bludger hasn't left him alone all game. It's been fixed." Adrian Pucey said.

"Not my concern," Flint replies. Harry looks at him in disbelief. "All I care about if we win this thing."

The whistle blew, allowing the team to resume play, but Harry grabs Draco.

"For your sake, you better catch the snitch," Harry said as his eyes shifted into the silver orbs. Draco visibly shook as his body suddenly became cold.

Harry said nothing as he lets go of Draco and takes off into the air.

Harry reassumed play, but the Bludger kept going after Harry. Harry lead the Bludger around the Gryffindor team. Forcing them to break formation even drop the Quaffle a few times. Whenever Harry did get the Quaffle, he would pass to ensure he didn't get hit by the rogue bludger and lose the Quaffle.

"Slytherin leads a hundred and ten to ten." Lee Jordan called out.

Harry finally got the Quaffle and was about to score, but as he pulls his arm back…

Wham!

The Rogue Bludger finally scored a direct hit, breaking Harry's arm as well as forcing him to drop the Quaffle.

Harry holds his arm close to his chest as the pain was unbelievable.

The bludger came back and knocks Harry off his broom. Harry wasn't that from the ground, and thanks to the rain, the ground was covered in mud. So it wasn't a hard landing, it still hurt.

Lily suddenly went into dive, and Draco hesitated before chasing after her. Draco finally saw the snitch and pushed his broom to overtake Lily's. Draco was close the gap to the Golden Snitch until Lily stood up on her broom and leaps off of her broom and grabs the snitch before Draco could grab it. Lily falls and hits the ground hard. Covering herself in the mud.

The whistle blows. Signally the end of the game.

"Lily Morris has caught the Golden Snitch! Gryffindor wins a hundred and sixty to a hundred and ten.

The Gryffindor's screamed itself hoarse at their victory.

Harry immediately rolls as the rogue bludger took an aim for his head. It narrowly misses before leaping up for a second shot. Again, Harry rolls out the way.

The bludger came in for a third attack only for it to explode. Artemis was leading a small group of Slytherin's to the field.

The Gryffindor's were all gathered around Lily and hosted her up in the air as they won against Slytherin.

"You okay, Harry?" Artemis asks.

"No, my arm is broken," Harry said as he sits up.

"Not to worry," Gilderoy Lockhart said as he makes his way forward. "I can fix your arm to be good as new." He proclaims.

He pulled out his wand and started to say something only to stop when he felt another wand press against his temple.

"My student will be looked at by the proper healer, you are not a healer, Lockhart." Snape hissed.

"Of course, Severus." Lockhart as he lowers his wand.

Artemis grabs Harry and hosts him up and carries him to the Healer Wing.

Harry sits in the bed as Madam Pomfrey walks over to him. It wasn't until Madam Pomfrey grabs some potions.

The moment the potions hit his table, Lily and the Gryffindor team walks in.

"Another injury?" Madam Pomfrey said.

"Think I dislocated my shoulder during my fall," Lily said as she hops in the bed.

"Well, the two of you are going to have stayed here for the night. Repair bones can be a nasty business. I can mend them in seconds, but I rather make sure you both are completely fine." Madam Pomfrey said.

Harry drinks his potions and nearly spits it out. It tasted nasty.

"What were you expecting pumpkin juice?" Madam Pomfrey said as she turns her attention to Lily.

It didn't take long for Harry to fall back and lie down. The Slytherin's along with the Gryffindor's left after Madam Pomfrey shouted them out.

Harry woke in the middle of the night. He could have sworn he heard voices. A strange sound. He looks up and sees a house-elf sitting at his bed table.

"Dobby." Harry hissed.

Dobby's tennis ball-like eyes stared unblinking at Harry.

"Harry Potter has come back to school." Whispered the miserable elf. "Dobby tried to warn Harry Potter not to come back. Why did Harry Potter return? Why didn't he go home when he missed the train?"

"So, it was you that caused the barrier to be sealed shut." Harry hissed.

"It was indeed sir, Dobby hid and watch for Harry Potter to appear before sealing the gateway. Dobby had to iron his hands." Dobby claims as he showed Harry his hands that were wrapped in bandages. "– but Dobby didn't care, for he thought Harry Potter was safe. Only to hear that Harry Potter arrived hours early at Hogwarts."

"You underestimate the Wynters'." Harry hissed.

"They are a powerful family, Dobby knows this. But even they can't protect you from the dangers at Hogwarts. Dobby then thought if his bludger…"

"Your bludger." Harry hissed.

"Dobby didn't try to kill you sir," Dobby said quickly. "Just injury you enough for you to be sent home. Harry Potter must go home." Dobby said.

"You haven't convinced me otherwise. All you told me, muggle-born students are going to be attack…"

"They are, the Chamber of Secrets has been open once more…" Dobby stops and rushes to Harry's bedside and bangs his head.

"The Chamber of Secrets?" Lily said in surprise. Harry looks at her to see she was awake.

Harry read about the Chamber of Secrets, it was in the history of the House of Slytherin. It was believed to have been a hidden chamber built by Salazar Slytherin himself, and it contains a monster.

At that moment, a flicker of light appeared, causing Dobby to panic and disappear.

Harry and Lily both jumped back down and pretended to be asleep.

Professor Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape both appeared with a floating student. Behind them. Harry looks closely and notices it was a student holding a camera. Creevey.

Madam Pomfrey walks up to them and levitates the first year into the bedside.

"What happened?" Madam Pomfrey asks.

"An attack," Dumbledore said in a calm voice.

"Petrified?" Professor McGonagall said slowly.

"Indeed," Dumbledore said softly.

"Who could have done this?" Madam Pomfrey said in a soft voice.

"I don't know. If Albus hadn't been heading downstairs to get hot chocolate. Then we wouldn't have found him for hours." Professor McGonagall.

"What is he doing out of bed so late?"

"We think he was trying to see Potter, a bowl of sweets was found next to him." Professor McGonagall said. "Do you think he got a picture of his attacker?" She asks, looking down upon him.

Dumbledore didn't answer. Instead, he waves his hands, and the camera floated into his hand. He opens the back of the camera.

A jet of steam hissed out of the camera and melted a bed beside Creevey.

"Albus, what does this mean?" Madam Pomfrey asks.

"It means the Chamber of Secrets has been open once again," Dumbledore said softly.

"But Albus, surely who…" Professor McGonagall began before Dumbledore cut her off.

"The question isn't who… rather it's how." Dumbledore said softly.

Harry and Lily both look at each other, both confused by Dumbledore's words.


Author Notes: I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. Please R&R