Chapter 22. Return
The last day of the teens stay in Hong Kong had them all waking up earlier than normal so they would have time for their training, breakfast, a bath and getting ready for the monthly Council Session at the Silver Hall. The monthly sessions were to handle usual events, and were the only ones (most of the time) that took place in the Silver Hall. The other halls were for special occasions, depending on the importance of said event and the persons that would be involved. A clear example of this was the Magical-Adoption ceremony that had taken place just a couple of days earlier.
Harry, Hermione and Draco/Long left their other friends to join their new clans as they entered the Hall. Ron had been told to accompany Naoko to where the guests sat, also there sat Shaoran's sisters and such.
Finally, as the bell announced the beginning of the session a set of doors opened to allow entrance to the Leaders and their small entourage, which consisted of Eriol and Tomoyo, as co-Supreme Sorcerers; and also their appointed deputies.
That was another thing they had had a bit of trouble with at the beginning, as never before had a Council Leader assigned someone external to the Council as a deputy; and there was also the fact that Eriol was occidental, while Tomoyo didn't belong to any Asian magical clan. All objections, however, had been laid to rest with the revelation of who the Supreme Sorcerers were; no one in their right mind would oppose the most powerful sorcerers of all time.
The session began easily enough, with a recollection of the Magical-Adoption and a reminder to all of those present that their Leaders and their entourage would be leaving for England that very evening. Questions were made regarding who would be in charge in their absence, and no one had any problem accepting that Yelan and Xiefa took back charge for the few months the teens would be away. Once they graduated Hogwarts they were expected to return to Hong Kong and establish definitely there, something that Sakura had already discussed with her family and they had all agreed (albeit reluctantly in Touya's case).
The only complication came near the end of the session, when the time for petitions had come:
"Wung Len Yu, from the Wung Clan, your Honors." A man called as he got on his feet.
"What is your request, Lord Wung?" Shaoran questioned.
As the balding man took a quick glance at a group of people at his far left Sakura had the sudden feeling that what was coming wouldn't be good.
"It has come to my attention, your Honor." Len Yu called. "That the beautiful new heiress to the Sheng clan is unwed and unclaimed as of yet. My clan would be very pleased to solve this matter; as it is our wish to have her betrothed to my oldest son: Wung Gun Yu."
Absolute silence reigned in the Silver Hall, at least on the physical plane; for the astral one was entirely different.
*What?* Hermione's mental cry was immediate.
*No!* Harry's was as immediate and firm as hers.
*Can he even call for such a thing?* Long asked at the same time.
*No.* Harry insisted with the same vehemence. *You cannot allow this Shaoran. I don't care about any traditions this Council may have, they can't handle Hermy as if she were a mere possession. I won't allow that.*
*Me neither.* Long and Naoko agreed at the same time.
*And Ron-kun agrees as well.* Naoko added as an afterthought.
She had been explaining to the redhead in whispers what was happening and what the others were mentally saying.
*Of course we won't allow this, Harry-kun.* Sakura assured him, somehow managing to stay calm through everything.
*However.* Eriol added. *You must know it won't be easy. Wung-san is asking for this because he knows it's been done before.*
*The Clan Wung is a minor Clan.* Shaoran gave an extended explanation. *A betrothal to a member of a clan like the Sheng, even if said member is adopted, would improve their rank rather drastically.*
*So this is all being done for power?* Naoko asked, baffled.
*Not too different from our own Wizarding Society.* Draco pointed out.
*Or even Muggle High Society.* Hermione added.
*All the more reason to refuse them.* Harry insisted.
*We all agree in that point Harry-kun.* Tomoyo said in a soothing tone. *But you must understand that Sakura-chan and Shaoran-kun can't just turn down his request, not without a good reason. It wouldn't do for them to show bias or preference-treatment to anyone; even if they all know already you are their friends.*
*So there is no way to just turn them down and allow Hermy-chan to go on with her life?* Naoko asked worriedly.
*We never said that.* Sakura denied.
*There is a way.* Eriol seemed to remember just then. *It's pretty direct and unquestionable.*
*Why haven't we used it already, then?* Draco questioned.
*I know where Eriol-san is going.* Shaoran declared seriously. *And though what he said is true, it is not easy…It will all depend on you, Harry-san, Hermione-san*
A beat of silence followed.
*Tell us what we have to do.* Hermione finally mind-spoke with conviction.
While the silent conversation had been taking place, the four highest members of the Council had taken poses that seemed to show meditative stances as they pondered over the sudden and unexpected request.
Finally, after all things were detailed they all straightened up almost at the same time, Shaoran got on his feet to speak.
"Lord Wung." The Leader of the Eastern Council spoke with a strong voice. "Your request is valid and understandable…"
Tomoyo could see, by the sudden twinkle in the eye of the aforementioned councilor, that he was considering it a victory already; too bad that Shaoran was about to crush all his hopes and aspirations for a higher rank in the Council.
"However, we must politely decline." Shaoran finished.
"What?" Len Yu seemed shocked and upset beyond words. "How can I be denied this?"
"Silence!" Eriol's roar was laced with enough magic to shut at the same time the councilor's disgruntled remarks and the murmurs that had just begun in all the council. "You will address Lord Li with respect. He still is the Head of this Council."
"Of course, my lord." Len Yu nodded as he bowed deeply, in what he hoped was a properly chastised and contrite way. "My apologies, your honors."
Even Ron, without having the power of a full Sorcerer, could easily tell that he wasn't sorry in the least and was just waiting for the moment to strike back, something he decided to point out to Naoko right away.
"We know." Naoko whispered to him. "Don't worry, Sakura-chan and Shaoran-kun know what they're doing. They have a plan, an easy and peaceful way out."
"And if that doesn't work?" Ron couldn't help but ask.
"Then we'll use the hard way." Naoko answered simply.
Ron nodded and immediately began taking notice of each and every detail of the Silver Hall, taking mental note of everything that could be used if worse came to worst and a battle broke out between two or more of those present.
Naoko watched Ron from the corner of her eye and after a few moments could realize what it was he was doing. She was amazed. She could see in his eyes that he had an intelligence that was almost always underestimated; and this was because it wasn't book-wisdom, but action-wisdom. He was the kind of person that thought on his feet, that was able to make plans even under the most stressful situations; but in normal situations preferred to just lay down and enjoy life. Definitely a hidden talent there.
Ron consciously knew that, though the probabilities for a fight of any kind were considerable, there was little of chance of any of his planning to be needed. However, he couldn't help but make plans nonetheless. It had become a habit of his, ever since that time when he had to lead his friends through the Giant Chess to get to the Sorcerer's Stone. Most of the time his plans and strategies weren't used, but he felt better knowing he was ready, just in case.
"Would your honor be as kind as to give us the reason for your decision?" Len Yu asked, and before his words could be considered as an act of defiance he added. "Is the Wung Clan not worthy enough?"
Eriol couldn't help but mutter some choice words under his breath, he knew that the councilor hadn't meant the last part of his speech in the least, and had just said it to take any possible bad impression off himself.
*Eriol-kun, it's alright.* Tomoyo mind-told him.
*I know.* Eriol nodded. *All this just reminds me some things.*
*Like what?* She dared ask.
*Like why I chose to live in England instead of in China, back when I was Clow.* Eriol explained to her. *I was never tolerant of meetings such as this. Too much hypocrisy, parading of power, money and exotic possessions for my tastes.*
*And I thought nothing could be as bad as the Wizengamot…* Draco dropped in his two cents with a sigh.
*This just seems to prove that no world is free of corruption.* Hermione said matter-of-factly.
*This is what got us all in trouble two and a half years ago, remember?* Harry added. *When the British Ministry wouldn't believe that Voldemort was back.*
*Too much was lost because of their thick-headedness.* Hermione nodded.
*Sometimes I think things would turn out better if those our age took control of things.* Harry commented thoughtfully. *I mean, they did with the D.A.*
*True…* Hermione whispered.
And even though she said nothing else it was obvious to them all that she was in deep thought about something, something important. Though, whatever that may be, they first needed to get a certain councilor off their backs.
"Lady Granger-Sheng Hermione Di Qiu Jane won't be betrothed to Lord Wung Gun Yu, for the reason that she's already betrothed to another Lord." Shaoran declared.
This stunned many, especially Lord Wung himself.
"How…When?" He finally asked.
"The engagement is dated before the Magical-Adoption took place." Sakura stepped in as, with a flourish of her hand a rolled parchment appear in her hands. "It was notified to us, as Heads of the Eastern Council, right after the ceremony took place, two days ago. As you must know, Lord Wung, even with Magical Adoptions in place, any compromises either part may have engaged in beforehand will be respected and take first priority."
"This betrothal was confirmed by both parts involved after the Magical Adoption took place, therefore it holds even now." Shaoran confirmed. "My wife is holding in her hand the contract that proves so."
"So." Sakura continued. "As you can see, Councilor Wung, the denial of your offer is well into the rights of those involved."
Silence reigned for a few moments, and it was obvious that at least a couple of people were taking that time to get their bearings back after the sudden, and more than a bit unexpected, announcement.
"Of course, your honor." Len Yu finally spoke. "My apologies, once again, for my previous remarks against your honors and those present."
"Apologies taken." Shaoran replied stiffly.
And it didn't go unnoticed that he had said 'taken' and not 'accepted'.
"Excuse me, your honor." Another councilor stood up. "If it's not much indiscretion, may we know who the betrothed of Lady Granger-Sheng is?"
A quick mental conversation took place between the members of the circle as they decided if they should reveal that part of the information or not. In the end it was decided that it didn't make much of a difference, it's not like they hadn't seen the two together and would be able to figure it out.
"I am." Harry announced as he got on his feet. "The Lady Hermione is my betrothed, and has been since a little over two months ago."
Two months…that, if nothing else, made it obvious to those present, but especially the men of Clan Wung, that what they expected to gain was just impossible.
The Council Session was adjourned less than five minutes later.
.-.
"The nerve of that man!" Hermione hissed as she stomped into the Li's private office.
"I swear that if he had continued with his chattering two seconds more he would have found himself up close and personal with my sword." Harry spat as he unceremoniously dropped himself on a loveseat.
No one said a single word as the rest of their friends followed behind them, they knew better than to try to appease the young sorcerers; especially as they had reason enough to be upset in that moment.
"Councilor Wung took this matter too far." Eriol agreed. "Such thing wouldn't have been allowed in the old days. The mere questioning of anything to the Leader of the Council are grounds for treason, or at least they used to be."
"I know." Shaoran nodded. "Sometimes I don't know if time is making us advance of if we're just going backwards. Taking full control of the Council is turning out to be harder than I first thought it would be."
"But you're the rightful leader." Naoko pointed out.
"That doesn't matter." Shaoran declared.
"They see us as little more than children." Sakura added. "It doesn't really matter to them that Shaoran-kun fights with the blessings of the gods, or that I'm the Card Mistress. Under their eyes we are children, and therefore unfit to lead such a great society as the Easter Council is."
"Just like they thought my mother was unfit to lead because she was a woman." Shaoran added between gritted teeth.
"And yet Yelan-sama lead the Council for more than fifteen years, didn't she?" Tomoyo asked softly, thoughtfully.
"That she did." Shaoran nodded proudly. "But that won't make mine and Sakura-chan's work any easier."
"I never said it would." Tomoyo pointed out.
"It'll work out in the end." Sakura said confidently. "It always does."
They all nodded.
"Now in a change in topic." Long declared suddenly as he turned to the youngest couple. "How is it that you two are engaged?"
Harry and Hermione exchanged a small smile as the memory of that particular occasion cured their moods quickly and effectively.
***Flashback***
The limits of the Forbidden Forest, in the side farthest from Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, had become the perfect camping spot for five certain individuals. No tents were needed, only a few sleeping bags, as the group laid under the stars, reminiscing and joking.
Harry was careful to commit every single minute to memory because, even though he knew that the spell that had brought his parents there that day could probably be replicated, nothing could compare to that first time it had been done.
That following morning the women had begun working on the breakfast since pretty early, while father and son talked about Harry's life, his present and his future. Ron just slept.
The group knew they couldn't go into Hogsmeade or anywhere else, it would just call too much attention; after all, everyone knew that James and Lily Potter were dead, had been for exactly sixteen years the previous night. It wouldn't do if someone were to suddenly see them wandering around, and corporeal no less!
That didn't make the day any less perfect.
Hermione and Ron had offered to go into the Wizarding Village to buy some things for lunch, also allowing their friend (or boyfriend) some time alone with his parents. He used it well, though maybe not as some might have expected.
It had been while since the quintet had finished lunch when suddenly Harry left his seat, went to pull his girlfriend to her feet, and then proceeded to drop on a knee in front of her.
Even before a single word had been spoken Hermione gasped; Ron just gaped at the scene, even being as dense as he usually was, he had a pretty good idea of what his friend had in mind, even if he didn't know why he was doing it in that moment. Lily and James just smiled at the scene they thought they would never get to witness when they were taken from their son's side so early in his life.
"Hermione, you're the most precious thing I could ever have asked for, far more valuable than any metal or jewel that may be found in my vaults or in anyone else's. Nothing would make me happier than you accepting to be mine, and to allow me to be yours, for the rest of our lives." Harry declared in a low, almost shy tone. "Will you marry me?"
It was obvious that it had taken a great effort for the young woman to wait until Harry had finished his well-rehearsed speech; but it had been well-worth it, never before had she heard someone saying such beautiful things, and directed at her too! Hermione didn't wait a second longer, the moment Harry had finished his question she was throwing herself on him, tears falling down her cheeks as she kept mumbling 'Yes' over and over again.
***End of Flashback***
"It was unexpected, but still, it's the happiest moment of my life thus far." Hermione commented with a smile. "Though I expect the day of my wedding to surpass it."
"I had had the ring for a little while." Harry admitted. "I was originally going to wait for Christmas or maybe Valentine's Day to propose but that day, with my parents there, I knew there wouldn't be a better moment. It gave me chance to share with them what, for me as well, is the best moment of my life up to this point."
And unknown to the two of them, the sorcerers were already making plans to make sure their wedding day would definitely surpass it; after all, it wouldn't be that hard for all of them together to call on the Potters again to attend the wedding, a couple of glamour charms would make sure no one but them knew who the two were. Also, maybe by that point they would know what had gone wrong with Hermione's attempt at calling on Sirius and correct it.
"Proposals aside." Tomoyo said unexpectedly. "Hermy-chan, there's one thing I've been meaning to ask you. You had a very particular reaction earlier back when we mentioned about us so-called 'children' taking over since the adults seem to not be doing the best of jobs leading our Magical Societies. Mind explaining that…"
"I was actually considering how possible that might be." Hermione answered honestly. "I mean, most of us are barely legal in our magical societies, no matter the non-magical ones; however, at least a few of those in this group also hold considerable social, economical and political power. Even with Long's adoption, if his parents are defeated he could still claim his inheritance and change it around. Then we have Harry, Eriol, Shaoran and Sakura, with all the power they hold; and even the rest of us, without belonging to clans, adoptions aside, everything we've been involved in in the last six and a half years grants us a degree of influence. If we could make good use of all that, we just might achieve our goals."
"Our goals being?" Harry had an idea but wanted to be sure.
"A takeover." Hermione deadpanned. "Maybe not outright, or absolute, but still. We, and particularly you Harry, already have quite a following, just considering the D.A. Now, these last years we've focused on the members still at Hogwarts, but what if we contacted those who have already graduated, who could at the same time put us in contact with more people. And then there's the Order of the Phoenix…so much we can achieve, after all, if the people choose to follow us, there's little Fudge, the Wizengamot, the Ministry as a whole, or anyone really could do about it."
"You know you just sounded very Slytherin-ish Hermione." Long commented with a half-smirk. "I like it. It would be poetic justice I think. Some pureblood have been attempting something like that for centuries and the best they've managed is to continuously buy their way to power; for it to be achieved, and by a group conformed mostly by half-bloods and muggle-borns, it would make them insane."
"I agree it's quite the prospect." Eriol declared. "But if you're planning on putting it in practice I suggest you be extremely careful and make sure no one who might try to stop you or hurt you realizes what's going on until you're ready to go into action. There's a magical war currently going on with Magical Britain against Voldemort and his followers, and it's trying to reach beyond Britain, it might not be a good idea for those who are seen as the 'good guys' to be involved in a civil war amongst themselves at the same time."
"Of course." Hermione nodded immediately. "It was just a thought. There's much planning to be done before we can think of attempting anything, and we have other things to focus on first, like Voldemort…"
Everyone nodded, and the subject was pushed aside, but not forgotten. If they ever managed what Hermione talked about the next generation just might get to have some peace…
.-.
After the emotionally-draining meeting, their smaller talk and some lunch, all of those who were returning to Britain took a long nap, since they would be making a magical trip around supper time, and it would barely be breakfast-time in Europe at that point, it would be the best way to deal with the jet-lag, at least initially, after all, it wasn't a mean feat going through eleven time zones.
As planned, it was Saturday morning when the group landed on the huge main entrance of the Hiiragizawa Manor. They had decided to arrive two days before the beginning of the new term in case they had to do something before classes; and as it turned out it was a wise precaution to take…
"Master Eriol!" It was Nakuru, and while she should have sounded thrilled at them all being back after nearly a month away, instead she sounded strained…
"Nakuru, what is the problem?" Eriol inquired, confused at her attitude.
"Some people from the Wizards' Ministry have been searching for Draco-san, Harry-san, Hermione-san and the rest of your party the whole week, they say it's something related to the Battle of Hogwarts, last summer, among other things."
"I thought we had answered all questions concerning what had happened that day." Harry's brow furrowed. "They wouldn't let us leave until we did…"
"Eh…guys, I really don't want to jinx us all, but I really need to say this." Ron commented hesitantly. "What's the possibility of them, any of them really, remembering, or at least suspecting the kind of power all of you really used in that fight? Because I sure remember explanations for that weren't included when they interrogated us all…"
"Technically it shouldn't be possible…" Shaoran really didn't like that idea.
"They would need a Sorcerer for that…" Tomoyo began, and then gasped as the realization of it all came to her.
"And they have one." Eriol added grimly. "The woman we were told about, the one Voldemort is keeping prisoner, who gave those DEs sorcerer-powers."
"This isn't good, is it?" Ron asked, though he could guess the answer already.
"No, it isn't." Naoko shook her head.
"If they know, or at least suspect strongly what happened there, it will mean trouble." Shaoran said seriously. "Wizards have never liked others getting involved in what they consider to be their business. Well, those who even know there are other magical outside of their archaic societies. Hadn't you ever wondered why you never met Sorcerers before us? Why most Wizards actually believe Sorcerers to be extinct? Or why Dumbledore is the only Mage in Britain? Wizards don't like others telling them they aren't as good as they believe they are."
"So there are no Sorcerers around here?" Hermione asked, curious.
"There are." Eriol answered. "Probably not in Britain, since what Shaoran just said is well-known, while Wizards in general may not like Sorcerers much, it is well-known that British in particular loathe them…us, so long ago Sorcerers in general decide to stay well-away from Britain. I'm kind of an exception, since I really wasn't about to give up my home just because of stupid bigotry."
"So there's nothing here in Europe like the Eastern Council?" Hermione asked, very interested in everything they were being told.
"No." This time it was Shaoran who answered her. "There was at some point, in the time of Clow I believe. But it didn't last after his death…"
"With him and the Eclissi sisters gone there was no one with enough power to command the respect of all the Sorcerers and other magical left." Eriol added. "Wizards chose to create their own governments and eventually Sorcerers decided to simply make their own paths. Attempts have been made since to recreate the Council, but they have all failed, never has there been someone capable of reigning in the Wizards and at the same time commanding respect from Mages, Sorcerers and Magical Creatures. It just is too hard…"
"Hard, but not impossible." Hermione commented.
They all knew what she was thinking, or at least had a decent guess, the same thing she'd commented before. And if they were honest, it just might work, but they had other things to worry about for the time being. Like what exactly the Ministry wanted with them.
"I suggest we deal with this matter with the Ministry and leave these ideas for another time." Harry commented. "We really need to know just how much the Ministry knows about what happened last summer before we can do anything else."
"What if they know the truth?" Long asked, unsure. "I mean, the actual truth?"
"Then we'll deal with it." Shaoran answered. "Remember, you're not alone. We're all a team, we'll handle this."
They all nodded seriously.
"Then I guess we better get to the Ministry." Sakura declared, raising her staff yet again.
"Transport us to a hidden alley, or even the Leaky Cauldron." Eriol told her. "If we are lucky and our sorcery isn't public knowledge yet then it would be best to keep our abilities a secret for as long as possible."
"And if it is public knowledge?" Tomoyo asked, fingering her own key.
"Then, like my cute-little descendant said, we'll deal with it." Eriol smirked.
"Hey!" Shaoran complained loudly as he made to smack the midnight-haired boy in the back of the head. "Quit your jokes Hiiragizawa!"
The rest of the group could only chuckle as they realized what Eriol had done. With the laughs their tension slipped away; and it was definitely better for them all to handle what was coming to them with a clear head and no tensions.
And so, still laughing, they were on their way.
Next chapter: Trouble brews in the Ministry of Magic, and threatens to ruin all the Sorcerers have and continue fighting for. Plans must be made if they wish to stop Darkness from spreading from all sides.
I know I don't have a good track record as far as updating promises go, but I assure you, the next chapter will be here in two weeks (it's already written, so I have no reason to lie to you).
Thank you for those that may return. Once again, my apologies, and I hope you review. Those who do not return...I'm deeply sorry, but all I can do right now is keep this going to the end.
Adieu.
