Walking Dead Wizard

Chapter 82

The night after the visit from the dragon was a restless night for some, fearing that something else, something worse would come along and shatter the peace they had longed for. Those in Harry's 'Inner Circle' although he would never think to call them that or even suggest it, since in his mind they were friends, he was their protector - and under his care - for as long as they would have him. Those in Harry's 'Inner Circle' the main group, people who had been with him practically since it all began.

Daryl, Merle, Luna, Andrea, Amy, Carol, Sophia, Dale, Axel, Big Tiny, Oscar, Mira, Andre, Luke, Glenn and of course, Michonne. They trusted Harry wholeheartedly, and had no difficulty sleeping, knowing without a doubt if anything came Harry and they would fight tooth and nail to ensure their home base (PA) was safe from all and every threat.

There were those who did indeed trust Harry, but yet were unable to have complete confidence in him…after all it was all too much just for one man wasn't it? Even someone as strong and powerful as Harry was. Hershel, Maggie - admittedly she was half way to being convinced due to Glenn), Beth, Patrick, Carl, T-Dog, Sasha, Tyreese and surprisingly Lori.

However, sleep wasn't coming as easy for those who did not fully trust Harry or believe in his abilities in the face of adversity, he had almost died after all, he wasn't indestructible, he merely had tools at his disposal to make it seem like he was. That list was most definitely the smallest, Rick, Jimmy, Tara, Lily, Meghan and of course, Bob, but that was understandable, since they were so utterly new and thrown into this world, a dragon definitely didn't constitute as a good start. Although after Luna was through with them, they were feeling distinctively guilty, especially Tara who had been so scared she'd blamed the easiest person for the situation she'd seen at hand.

The three in the infirmary were absolutely petrified, well; Abraham was also in awe of what he had seen. He wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes.

Sooner or later though their bodies had succumbed for the need of sleep, due to the lack of chores to do they had no need for early rising. They were getting to sleep in, which was new, everyone always got up extremely early ever since…well ever since it started the goddamned apocalypse.

Sleeping in wasn't for everyone, Harry, Daryl and Merle were naturally the first to wake up, Luna however, remained dead to the world as Merle got up and made his way next door. He wasn't even remotely surprised to find Harry and Daryl already awake and dressed for the day; some habits just couldn't and wouldn't be broken.

"You alrigh'?" Merle questioned, claiming a seat for himself without pause. When Harry and Daryl had returned hours after the dragon had taken flight with both of them, Harry had nodded his head grimly, before taking off towards his home exhaustion written across his wary features. Most had relaxed at that, taking the comfort for what it was, the situation had been dealt with and they were safe. Daryl had spoke to him and Luna for a few moments before eventually following Harry still a little tense himself.

Harry just grunted from where he was looking at his mug of coffee, something he didn't drink much of actually, Merle could probably count on his fingers how often Harry drank coffee or even tea.

"We gonna have more magical creatures finding their way here?" Merle summarised, it wasn't truly a question, at least not really.

"Probably," Harry mumbled, before a jaw cracking yawn passed his lips, he'd expended a lot of magic to create that safe place for the dragon, to keep out both humans and walkers alike and to prevent anyone from actually seeing the dragon flying around. "They're one of the few creatures that walkers can't kill," he eventually told Merle after taking a long drink of coffee and sat up straighter. He was glad he had nothing to do today, it was their day off, and other than some light cooking in the burger van there was nothing to do. All else had been prepared for today by the girls, who seemed extraordinary pleased with themselves, and the fact they were getting to have a 'normal day' so to speak. They weren't even training today.

Merle nodded, he didn't need an explanation as to why, and the dragon could spew fire, much like Harry's 'Fiendfyre,' which would easily take care of any walker that tried to get too close to it. He also understood that even weapons couldn't penetrate their tough hides, dragon hide, so the chances of any walkers being able to bite or claw their way through its skin was very bloody unlikely. Although they could starve, just like everything else. "How are you going to feed it?" he questioned after a few moments of silence, glancing at the TV which hadn't been switched on despite having electricity until the end anyway. Living in a cabin they hadn't really been one for watching TV all that often either, when it actually worked that is, now there was nothing on to show. As far as he was aware Harry had a million DVDS, with a little bit of magic he made it so the kids could watch them - adults too. Harry didn't seem interested in putting one in here.

"Walkers," Harry replied with pursed lips and a thoughtful look on his face. "Animals aren't affected by this damn virus, so even if it was dangerous to eat them…the dragons won't have that problem. Plus they actually prefer to eat humans, but push come to a shove they'd eat anything. It just means instead of burning them…we save and feed them to the dragon." it was awful really, but they were just bodies, those souls were long gone, they had to make do with what they could. He just prayed that the dragon didn't have too many eggs, too many baby dragons; life was tough enough without adding a dozen or so dragons right now. Although Luna would be in heaven, truly, she just loved animals that much.

"Not everyone will be happy with that," Merle snorted derisively, it didn't matter that it would prevent the dragon from turning on them; their morals were just too damn pathetic. They'd whine and declare themselves disgusted by the idea, that they shouldn't do it. Well, some of them anyway, he reluctantly admitted, because even if only to himself, he had to admit that some of the group were damn badass enough to have gained his respect. He'd also deny this to his dying day that Sophia was right up there next to Luna, but that's only because he had helped he told himself.

Harry shrugged in response, he would need to make decisions that not everyone would be happy with, he had told Dale back before the prison, but he'd stick to it, as long as they respected his decisions at the end of the day they wouldn't have a problem.

Merle just smirked back in response; he'd never once forgotten just how ruthless Harry could be. Some of the others might, but not him and certainly not Daryl or Luna. "The ginger fucker got out of the restraints last night," he informed them, since they probably didn't know.

"If anyone would I suspected it would be him," Harry conceded with a resigned nod. "He was in the army before all this shit went down," heck he would have probably did a Merle, tried or successfully sawed off his own hand if need be, their survival instincts were extremely high, given most situations. He had checked them of course, but there could be ways he had things concealed on his person to break out of the cuffs.

"Where is he now?" Daryl grumbled, annoyed that he hadn't noticed anything himself. Normally he noticed everything around him.

Merle showed a lot of teeth in a vicious grin, "Back where he belongs," he didn't get to manhandle people very often anymore, so it was with great pride and relish that he had ploughed the guy back into the surgery then attached him to the bed again. Oh, what a fight it had been, or could have been really, since he'd had help, the guy hadn't stood a chance in the end. It helped that the guy had been in shock at what he'd just seen too. "For now," he added reluctantly, he had brought up his worry about them leading others to their sanctuary but Luna had reassured him that they weren't aware of the secret to do so; they'd literally be unable to find the place again.

Harry grimaced, he hated the thought of them leaving, going out there again, especially for a lost cause. Not just a lost cause, but a fabricated, dishonourable lie. The disgust he felt for the despicable little worm was immense, truly, his magic stirred angrily, he constantly gritted his teeth thinking of him. How many had died for his lie? His life? Believing they were saving the last link to 'humanity' of the world returning to the way it was before this all happened. Merlin help him he felt adrift, part of him just wanted to outright catch him in a lie and reveal it to the others who were travelling with him, it could break them, but it may make them stronger…in the long run, keep them here, where it was safe. That wasn't to say he wasn't in awe of them, they'd come this far, with barely any weapons, wearing bloody shorts and t-shirts (on the girl and Eugene's parts anyway) he was amazed they'd gotten this far. Yet they had, given Abraham Ford's Army experience this would have been easier for him to deal with than say small town cops like Rick and Shane.

"I'll beat the truth out of him," Merle suggested glee swimming around in his eyes.

Harry snorted, just barely stopping himself from laughing, honestly those two Dixons, the blood thirst and desire to fight had not faded. They weren't quite so quick to anger, but they would fight dirty and win against just about anyone, the only real action they received was training - more accurately teaching - thankfully most were very proficient now, except the newcomers, whether it by swords or physically fighting, but they never drew blood - at least never on purpose - as always, they most definitely didn't want to have to heal serious wounds, infections or broken bones unless they absolutely had to in the event of a real bloody battle. No, friendly fire wasn't tolerated at all. "You don't fight those who don't fight back," he said wryly, before drinking the remainder of his coffee, feeling oddly less tired as the coffee was supposed to do. Perhaps it may become a more permanent thing, him drinking coffee.

Daryl's lips twitched at the sight of what he would call a 'pout' on his brother, without it actually physically being a pout. Strange as it sounded, Merle didn't actually get into scrapes with people who didn't fight back. He had some honour in him, even if before the apocalypse, yes, he had been a drug addict, an alcoholic, a convict, a fighter, and a thief willing to do whatever he could to survive but he would never stoop so low as to beat the crap out of someone who just lay down and took it without pissing Merle off first. Although Daryl and Harry knew it was partly because there was no fun in trying to beat someone who didn't have the guts to try to get in a few punches. There was only one instance really, that either could think of, Ed, Carol's dearly departed husband. It didn't count though, he deserved it, couldn't have happened to someone nicer.

After that silence reigned for a while, it was nothing unusual, even when they were back at the cabin before things got bad, they were sometimes quiet for hours before one of them even grunted. It had been something Harry needed, away from the questions, the adoration and backstabbing magical world.

"Come with me," Merle said with a grunt as he stood up, feeling the need to do something, and he had an idea where to start, and it would take hours for them to get around the entire perimeter. "I'll meet ya outside," added he'd need a lot more than just one gun and a hunting knife.

"Alright," Harry agreed, it would be a while still before everyone would be up anyway, might as well get something productive done, since Luna would no doubt make sure he didn't do anything when she woke up - the rest of the day - and honestly…part of him really needed it, he was exhausted mentally and physically. She was determined that he have a break - just like she always did, Luna knew what he needed and always made sure to make him, even if he was determined to push on.

Twenty minutes later, both Harry and Daryl were following Merle feeling curious, but not curious enough to actually ask where they were going. For all they knew, Merle wanted to let off some steam, and what better way to do that than kill all the walkers around the vicinity of their home? Which was quite a few, not too clumped together, they were able to swiftly deal with them without using any bullets. The walkers must just wander away unable to sense food, while the others just remained having given up hunting for food.

Then to Daryl and Harry's confusion they saw six walkers scrabbling at the ground, now that wasn't typical walker behaviour. Only blood, sound or food could cause that sort of frenetic movements. Merle didn't even blink, he just began to behead the walkers while they were still on the ground, he didn't even twitch when one grabbed onto his boot clad ankle, just smashed the butt of his gun against its arm before lowering the sword swiftly and taking care of it, the squelching sound as a knife and an arrow as it went through the brain and their breathing was the only sounds heard for a few moments.

"That was…odd," Harry commented perplexed, watching in fascination as Merle wandered over to a tree that had been marked before digging for all of two seconds before coming up with a shovel. Arching a brow in silent demand for an explanation, Merle gave him one, using his foot he got rid of the scattered soil that the walkers hadn't touched showing metal underneath.

"A trap?" Harry queried, stepping closer, his good hearing picking up the sound of claws trying to presumably dig its way out. An animal, well, he supposed it was a better way to get them, prevent the walkers from eating their supply.

"S'a fox," Daryl informed them without even needing to look, he was by far the one with the most experience hunting, from a young age he'd begun and he had never stopped.

"You need to map it out just in case the others come around here," Harry commented as he levitated the cage out, a small smirk playing across his face, and of course, Daryl was correct, not that Harry had doubted him for a second. "How many have you buried?" he queried the poor thing was cowering at the back of the cage, a subtle push of his magic, he pressed it out and into the animal, and before his eyes the little thing curled up and fell asleep. It must have been exhausted; it didn't normally work quite so fast, it was just a simple sleeping spell.

Merle answered absently, "Sixteen," as he crossed off sections of the map with a new colour of pen that hadn't been used as of yet, so everyone would know the purpose of the colour.

"Nice," Harry whistled in appreciation, especially if there was something in every single one of them, watching Merle pocket the pen and the map.

Merle smirked smugly; of course, it was a good idea it had been his after all.

Then they were on the move again, the cage levitating behind them, knowing there were sixteen of these cages, he couldn't just remove the sleeping fox from its confines, he hadn't brought his trunk so he couldn't simply put it in there. They would just need to return some other time and let Merle replace the humane traps.

"When did you put them down?" Daryl asked his brother curiously, he must have spent ages doing it, unless he had Luna's help those cages were heavy and there were no tire tracks going through here.

"Few days ago," Merle replied as he started on removing the dirt from the next metal cage confining yet another animal.

"Small one," Merle and Daryl grunted at the same time, Harry hadn't heard anything.

"I'll do it," Harry stated, then the Dixons stepped back as Harry levitated it out, with practised ease that came with experience of manoeuvring around each other.

"Rabbits, good," Merle muttered in satisfaction getting a glimpse of the two rabbits ensconced inside, "They might not give a lot of meat, but they breed quickly, make good pelts, having more will stop any interbreeding problems later." he understood the danger of interbreeding more than ever, with both Luna and Harry having explained it and he had read about it - when nobody was around - wouldn't do to give the idiots a heart attack because he knew how to read a book he had thought at the time with derision but it wasn't truly felt since he knew most of the people in PA and they cared not for his 'redneck' status.

Who would have thought this would be his life? Certainly not him, and it didn't start at the quarry either, it all started when Harry had Apparated literally into their lives. He'd always known he would be the difference between them dying and surviving, but he hadn't thought for a second it meant the difference between surviving and living.

"How come the walkers didn't get trapped in them?" Harry frowned; his eyes narrowing in contemplation, spreading his magic out on the area to see if Luna had came up with something. Then he felt it, the dying remains of some sort of charm that Luna had applied.

"Walkers can't get near until after an animal got trapped inside," Merle explained as he stood after dealing with yet another trap, stretching out his bones groaning as he did so.

"Well you both definitely though of everything," Harry said impressed, he had been getting sick of coming to find the normal traps with animals trapped inside already mauled apart by the damn walkers. So much so that he had decided not to bother placing them outside the confines of the base anymore. Now they had a way to collect the animals humanly, they didn't need to worry about eating them yet, but it would repopulate an already dangerously endangered species by that everything even humans were an endangered species.

That was what they did for the next three hours, kill walkers, levitate cages and to their delight and surprise every single one of the traps was occupied. Foxes, rabbits, hare, pheasant, bobcat, coyote, turkey and a wild boar. If this was the kind of haul they could get from these traps, Harry was determined to see that they were put everywhere around the perimeter. They were all asleep within the cages, Harry might kill for food but seeing animals scared wasn't pleasant.

"That was the last one," Merle said, wiping the sweat from his brow. Smearing more dirt across his face, but he didn't as much as twitch at its presence.

"Then lets head back, everyone will be awake by now," Harry replied, it would take them at least thirty minutes to get back to the entrance at a brisk pace. He could Apparate them, but he wasn't lazy and only Apparated if the distance was great or if they were in danger. He might be using his magic openly now but it didn't mean he had to use it all the time. Plus he had expanded a lot of his magic yesterday to create a safe place for the dragon.

"Hermione!" Luna beamed at the girl, as she made her appearance through the cabinet. Unable to help herself, she flung herself at her and hugged her, Merlin she had missed her more than she thought she would. The beginning of their friendship hadn't been a good one, even Hermione had admitted that she found her strange but Luna had grown on her, just as she had everyone else. She had remained steadfastly loyal to her friends, and it shouldn't have surprised anyone, Harry knew how to pick them.

"I'm so glad you're alright," Hermione sagged into Luna; it had been the hardest thing to watch as Luna left the safety of Hogwarts. She'd almost been convinced that Luna wouldn't be able to get to Harry. She was so relieved she had thought; at least Harry had someone from their world with her, and someone he knew.

"We're more than alright!" Luna said as she withdrew, she had found Merle, a man she loved very deeply, nothing would change that. She didn't want that to change, even if it meant being in the safety of Hogwarts, even if they hadn't found this place.

"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked, looking around with a frown, she was used to this place; she saw it every time she spoke to someone in the mirror. Although seeing a proper house, a home, sent a pang of nostalgia thrumming through her. She hadn't seen anything other than Hogwarts for so long.

"Merle's keeping him distracted," Luna said with a wicked grin, no doubt Harry thought he was being smart getting work done early in the morning, for once it had worked for her - knowing Harry so well.

Upon seeing Hermione's confused look, she added, "It's a surprise, I doubt he remembers what he said yesterday,"

"Why wouldn't he?" Hermione asked, narrowing her eyes, "What happened?" her eyes wide with sudden worry.

"A Dragon showed up, in his panic…in case he didn't come back he said to me to send everyone through to Hogwarts using the charmed box or the cupboards," Luna explained as if it was an every day thing. "It could understand and talk Parseltongue!" she added in a rush sounding reverent. "I think it might be the kind of dragon it is, it's a Vipertooth, but Harry managed to get it to listen to him," pride and awe in her voice, something that not even Harry being the 'Boy-Who-Lived' had elicited in ever.

Hermione's eyes widened, of course, out of all animals it had to be a dragon. "Was anyone hurt?"

"No, nobody was hurt," Luna replied returning to her normal composed composure.

"I'm glad," Hermione said relieved.

"Is anyone else coming?" Luna inquired, getting back to the matter at hand.

"Neville and some of the teachers are coming through," Hermione replied, "We didn't tell anyone else, I honestly think it would turn into a stampede."

Luna nodded in understanding, as lovely as Hogwarts was; they were bound to be feeling claustrophobic after being there for so long.

"He'll be so excited to see you!" Luna said she couldn't wait to see his face. "Although you'll need to be prepared for some unpleasantness,"

"How so?" Hermione in curiosity, "Has something changed? Has he found magical people? Are they giving him trouble?"

Luna just smiled, Hermione never changed, and in an ever-changing world…it was a relief to see.

"Let's wait until they get here, explain it all at once," Luna told her, as soon as she said that Hermione sped over to the mirror and began to talk to Neville.

Before long Luna was explaining the situation to them, about the three newcomers especially the one manipulating others for his own gain. As expected they were aghast by the tale she spun, to them, it was unfathomable doing such a thing.

"Let's go and introduce you to the others," Luna said after giving them ten minutes to digest everything she told them.

And with that they left Harry's home, seeing the outside of Hogwarts for the first time since the apocalypse started.

"Some of them might be a little suspicious, you understand that their world has changed, they weren't safe in Hogwarts, to get here they've seen and done things…" she said they because the war had changed them too, some more than others, it was just in case any of them expected a warm happy welcome.

"We know," was the soft sympathetic replies.

"Oh, my, the mirror really doesn't do them justice," Hermione said, catching sight of Daryl, Merle, and Harry walking towards them. The urge to run up to Harry and hug him for all he was worth was strong.

"Which one's which?" Severus asked, eyes narrowing in on both Dixon's. Potter had, of course, changed since he saw him last, he'd become more confident, sure of himself, settled in his own skin. If he didn't know any better he would say Potter was thriving here, and he wondered which part was making him so. He was…not exactly like James had been like he'd expected when he saw the boy for the first time standing in the line for the sorting. More of Lily was showing through, especially with his hair being the way it was. His thoughts of Lily weren't tinged with bitterness and betrayal anymore. Just fondness, Hermione had helped him more than he could have fathomed when they began dating.

"Long haired one is Daryl," Luna replied, almost vibrating out of her body in suppressed anticipation and excitement. "Merle is to the right," her tone changing automatically just mentioning him.

"You are quite right, the mirror didn't do them justice," Minerva replied, her lips twitching in amusement. Oh, she had missed Harry, sure they had communicated through the mirror a few times but he was…special to her, perhaps because of all he had been through, he had shown himself Gryffindor to the bone, and there was nobody she was more proud to say was in her house, although Lily came up pretty high. He had become a man in her absence, stronger, more powerful she couldn't add a leader because Harry had been one long before the world went to hell. She swallowed thickly as she remembered that Harry was at the age where James had been when he died. No, she refused to dwell on the past.

They knew the moment that Harry spotted them; he froze completely, gaping monetarily before his jaw snapped up into place. "Bloody hell," he croaked, he'd never thought he would ever see Hermione in person again, let alone the others. Swallowing thickly, he licked his lips before picking up his pace, changing his magic and levitating the cages over to the side and settling them down on the grass outside the houses.

Hermione wasn't as composed, she immediately began running towards Harry, and both of them couldn't help but flashback to their second year. So much had changed, they weren't children anymore, but it wasn't weird, they were like brother and sister after all. They had been through hell and back, that created bonds that couldn't be broken no matter the time spent apart. Nonetheless, Harry still grunted as Hermione slammed bodily into him. "Merlin I've missed you!" she choked out, almost tearing up.

"Missed you…too…need…breathe," Harry rasped out.

Hermione gave a watery chuckle before letting go.

"How…when?" Harry asked, wonder written across his face.

"It was your idea," Hermione teased him, "The cabinets, I've been here about an hour, I've been chatting with the others, mostly Glenn and Luna of course."

"Oh, yeah, I forgot about that," Harry admitted sheepishly, his right hand brushing through his hair while his left pinkie brushed against Daryl's almost constantly. "Are they the only ones that came?" referring to Minerva, Severus, and Neville.

"Yeah," Hermione nodded, understanding he wasn't asking as though he was upset, he just wanted to make sure not too many people were going to be coming through. As they began walking in the Professors direction she explained further, "As I told Glenn we have people working on creating duplicates of the cabinets, send them out to any and all safe places we know are functioning. It will take a while, they just began a few hours ago but if it works…it will make things easier, we'll have the ability to go from sanctuary to sanctuary help when we can."

"It also has its drawbacks, too many people means more chance of infection or being bitten," Harry pointed out, reminding her to be safe.

"Professors," Harry nodded in welcome, no sign of the young child he had been.

"It's Minerva, as I've said before, I'm no longer your professor," Minerva said, before surprising Harry by enveloping him in a rib-cracking hug.

"Daryl, Merle, this is Minerva, Severus, and Neville, a very good friend," Harry explained once he was released, "Guys this is Merle and Daryl, have you been introduced to everyone else?"

"Mostly," Minerva nodded her curt no-nonsense voice still ever present.

"How long are you guys staying?" Harry queried, knowing without a doubt they would be returning to Hogwarts.

"Until tonight, if that's alright?" Neville asked before the others could.

"Yeah, it's fine," Harry said immediately, grinning at Neville and giving him a one-armed hug. "You picked a good day to come; we're having a get together you could say, no training or chores to oversee,"

"That's why Luna suggested it!" Hermione grinned, feeling ten times better than she had this morning; she'd needed this, to get out of Hogwarts, away from the constant workload of trying to find a cure. Severus needed it as well, although he wouldn't admit it, he'd grumbled the entire time. "We bought some desserts, there's more than enough for everyone!"

"Including strawberry tart," Neville piped in, knowing that was Harry's favorite it was one he'd asked the House-elves to bake.

"Now you're talking," Harry said with a carefree laugh.

"I'll get started will I?" Carol suggested, ready to cook for everyone.

"Not today," Harry shook his head, flicking his wand at the direction of the van, and before long everyone heard the sizzling of meat cooking. Out of curiosity, quite a few moved over to the van, peering inside, to see a skillet pressing down on the burgers, or tongs moving the sausages around, yes, magic was definitely a wondrous thing indeed. "Get comfortable, I'll be back in a few minutes, there's something I need to do first." he might as well get it over with.

As always Merle made his way to Luna's side and Daryl followed Harry as his ever-present shadow.

Andrea, Mira, Michonne, and Carol were quick to get more chairs so the newcomers had somewhere to sit without anyone having to sit on the ground - except the kids who loved it - dragging the mats over nearest the fire pit.

Today was going to be a good day, even with the new wizards and witches they felt very relaxed and happy.

Will Harry find Ezekiel and the Kingdom on his own? Or will he be shown there with Jesus leading the way? That will happen after they've had a good day together without any trouble of course...I do want them to have that at least :D what do you think this Harry will think of the king? :P Will he realize what he is doing and convince him to stop it or will that take time? what will he make of Shiva? I really can't wait to write about that but there's definitely only one thing on my mind how Harry will initally react to him his reaction to Shiva is already a given hahah R&R please