JK Rowling Owns Harry Potter and Support Characters
FASA games owns Earthdawn
Note: Parseltongue is designated as §"Italicized words"§
Malta
Bill and Harry's Campsite
The Island of Malta
Wilderness
Harry and Bill were out camping in the wilderness of Malta, just north of Masta. There were no ruins or stone structures, but there was a significant amount of corruption seeping up from deep underground. Harry could feel it and Bill had learned to trust Harry's ability to detect dark magic and entities.
Harry's familiar was out hunting, she loved this region. Runespoors did very well in the Mediterranean islands. This had been a real vacation for her. Them. Harry always felt weird calling his three headed familiar a 'her' or a 'them'. Easier to just call them 'the girls'. There had been a few encounters with Lethifolds and a few other 'minor critters' early on, but it had been rather quiet since then. No real progress, just a region with massive corruption.
Harry was frustrated. After three weeks, they had made minimal progress. "I know there is something 'foul' deep under the earth, but I can't pinpoint it. We have combed over all this location as well as the ruins on the island and we've come up empty handed."
Bill was a calming influence on Harry. He understood the frustration, but knew better how to deal with it. "We need to go about this differently. Do you think there could be any ruins muggles built on or paved over?" Bill knew these kinds of exploratory digs took time. Harry was still learning patience.
"I don't know, Bill. But the only place I feel a deep corruption is out here. In the middle of nowhere. The earth elementals I have summoned don't want to dig at this location. That alone makes me feel certain that something is down there. We just need to know where the damn door is."
"Agreed. We should go back to the 'Hal Saflieni Hypogeum' ruins. The ochre scripts on the walls of the lower level may tell us something. I think that's our next step. Our LAST step for now... Whether it pays off or not, we need some time off. Step away and prep for the return." Changing the topic, Bill added, "And Ginny's birthday surprise is coming up. Cutting it a little close aren't you, Harry?"
Smiling, Harry welcomed the topic change, "Very tight. But it'll be great. Fleur out did herself in helping me plan the Paris trip, Ginny will love it. She's a real keeper, Bill." Harry liked having Bill and Fleur as role models. Marriage, adventure, and a beautiful, healthy baby. Maybe he and Ginny would have that soon.
Harry reflected on going home. He and Ginny had celebrated his birthday a few weeks early and he was looking forward returning the favor. The dragon hide boots she gave him were amazing. The fact that it had built-in dagger and wand sheaths made them incredibly handy. She would be coming off an intense few weeks as a newly promoted starting chaser for the Harpies. Harry knew she could use the relaxing trip to France as much as him.
Tomorrow, they would make one last check of the 'Hal Saflieni Hypogeum' ruins, then they'd step away for a few weeks. Harry had one last trick up his sleeve.
Both men were looking forward to spending time with their significant others.
-CS-
The next day
The dining room of Andromeda Tonks
London
Sitting in Andromeda Tonks' dining room, Ginny admired how elegant Andi is. She always 'dressed' for tea. Andi was about her mothers' age, but she looked like she stepped out of a magazine. Dressed impeccably and always the picture of a genteel British witch. Or more accurately, a genteel British witch from the turn of the century.
Andi's last name may be Tonks, but she is Lady Black to the wizarding world as Harry made sure she would keep the title. Being brought back into the family and having Harry name her the 'Black Proxy' so suited her. Ginny always looked up to Andi and wished her mother had been a bit more like her. Strong and regal, even Madame Longbottom doesn't push Lady Black around!
Ginny always felt under dressed around Andi, but Andi never made her feel less than perfect. She was so used to it, that she now found it amusing. Sitting there in distressed blue jeans, a faded T-shirt that said "Harpies Rule" and her Dragon-hide MVP jacket, they looked worlds apart. Other than the fact that they were both beautiful witches, that is.
They laughed as Teddy raced around the room, pretending to be chasing a snitch. They discussed the different endorsements Ginny was considering. Having a Good insight in both business trends and wizarding Britain, Andromeda shared her thoughts. Leave it to Andi to have both a keen business sense as well as a good take on how society would view certain endorsements. Ginny listened with rapt attention to the business feedback and politely laughed at the social feedback. Surely Andi knew she would never really care about her social standing. Well, maybe when she is thirty or so.
With a knowing and intelligent look, Andromeda raised her eye brow and inquired, "Ginevra, You didn't really come here to talk about endorsements, did you?"
"No, Andi, not really. First of all, thank you for seeing me on such short notice. I hope this is not inconvenient." Ginny knew that manners matter with Andi and her casual Griffindor ways would not help her in this discussion.
At this Andromeda just smiled and said, "I always make time for you and Harry. Now, tell me dear, what is on your mind?" Andromeda tilted her head and leaned into the question – all with perfect posture.
At this point Ginny realized how much she was 'relaxing' in the chair. No one owns a room the way Andi does. "Well, I am having second thoughts about settling down. I still deeply love Harry, but I know that I don't fit into his crazy world. Honestly, he is so DAMN powerful!" Ginny was amused to see a slight flinch at her cursing over tea. Andi really is funny that way. "I know what he does is important, but I just want no part of it. It terrifies me. On top of that, my career is taking off. I am having more fun than I ever dreamed I would."
"I don't see the problem dear. You are both doing so well. Do you feel like Harry is holding you back? Is he pressuring you to settle down and end your career? I did not think the two of you had set a date."
"No Andi, nothing like that. Harry supports me no matter what. Maybe I am just being foolish." Ginny now felt a bit silly. A great guy and a great job, and she was looking for problems that may not really exist.
"Ginevra, you have never struck me as the 'foolish' type. You remind me so much of my Nymphadora. Did you know she was one of a very few number of female Aurors? Let me tell you, she never backed down. Never."
That was a huge compliment, Ginny had always looked up to 'Tonks'. Strong willed, fun, witty, and tough as nails. Ginny frequently thought Tonks was the perfect role model. If only she played quidditch! With a hint of pride, Andromeda noticed Ginny's positive reaction to this comparison.
Taking a sip of tea, Andromeda continued, "Tell me about your dreams, Ginevra. I'd like to focus on you first. Here and in the present. Then we can talk about where you want to be in 10 years."
Ginny then shared. She discussed her goals. Helping young girls be confident and strong. Raising awareness for the different social issues that she believed in, supporting noble causes… She also shared he more 'selfish' wants. Enjoying a her emerging fame as a quidditch star, having money of her own, being single and living with her flatmates, the thrill of playing quidditch as a career, the travel, of living in the moment, of getting endorsements and wearing fashionable clothes.
At this Andromeda smiled. "Well, first of all, there is nothing selfish about knowing what you want and enjoying it. Never let others define your needs, Ginevra."
Considering further, Andromeda continued, "You are a strong and passionate young woman who is blazing new pathways in the wizarding world. You are a role model for young witches everywhere. It is not foolish to want to embrace the present, where you can accomplish so much. Where you can be a role model for so many. I have heard it said that 'the present' is exactly what it sounds like, a gift."
Andromeda shared with Ginny how hard it was for her to go against her family and reject the marriage contract made up for her. to be with the man she loved. At how she watched both of her sisters follow trails set by others and how it ruined them. At how Ted was willing to wait for her to get her mastery in healing before formally getting married. They even separated for a few years during that 'waiting' period. Ted was working on his legal mastery and they decided to just stay very close friends until their lives settled down. And it all worked out in the end.
"Now look at me, Ginevra. I married the man I love. I am the Lady Black and the designated Proxy of House Black. The very house that cast me out! My grand child is the designated heir and will one day be Lord Black. I am a respected Lady who loves her job and is considered to be one of the best healers in Britain. Like you, I am a bit of a role model for women - those who wish to blaze their own trails. My path was NOT an easy one, and I have lost SO many loved ones along the way…" at this Andromeda pauses and her grief is palpable. Continuing, "But I am where I was fated to be."
They continue talking while Andromeda occasionally stops to care for Teddy. Ginny learns a lot about Andi's sisters as well. Apparently Narcissa wanted to be a healer, like Andromeda. Unfortunately, being a 'Malfoy' made that impossible. Andromeda shared that she suspects her sister never stopped regretting this. She even went so far as to share her thoughts on the sister she hated, "Bellatrix was approached to become a professional duelist, but the Lestrange family believed that career to be far too 'bourgeois'. Imagine how much different her life would have been if she had thrown herself into dueling rather than into servitude to a Dark Lord. If only she had walked away from her contract with Rodolphus." To Ginny, that was a shocking revelation.
Andromeda shared how Nymphadora had been belittled in cadet training by some of the men. Many times she thought about quitting, but never did. She also shared how some men only wanted to be with her due to her 'metamorph' abilities. At that both women scowled. In the end, Nymphadora 'Tonks' never compromised her values or her vision.
Ginny also shared her fears about losing Harry. About disappointing her family and friends. About causing the person she loved the most, even more heartache and pain. She really was bearing all. She eventually covered how much she hates Harry's calling. How the idea of chasing Dark Lords flat out terrified her. How she wished he would just get a normal job. Andromeda seemed to take all of it in.
Noting that Teddy had fallen asleep, Andromeda shared her final thoughts, "Do you think Harry would want you to feel held back by him? What would he say? Do you think you and Harry are meant to be together – fated even? Will a few years really matter?"
Sipping her tea and watching her young guest struggle with these questions, Andromeda added, "Ultimately, you have to make the choice. But, Ginevra, whichever choice you make - see it through. You will only hurt Harry if you keep him hanging on and you will only hurt yourself if you try to be a part time icon for young women. Please, don't make any rash decisions - sleep on it."
Seeing Ginny in turmoil, Andromeda added one last thing: "No matter the choice, know that what is meant to be, will be. Always live life to the fullest! Carpe diem, Ginevra. Carpe Diem!"
As Ginny left, she realized they never really talked about her 10 year goals. Marriage and Family. Andi had focused on the here and now. Ginny really appreciated how Andi did not judge her for having personal goals and needs. She knew how much Andi loved Harry – it was scary how protective she could be. With all the loss she had suffered, she really pulled Harry and Teddy in. Despite that, she didn't judge Ginny or hold it against her that she was having thoughts about breaking off the engagement. Ginny had a tough decision to make. She would take Andi's advice and sleep on it.
-CS-
Island of Malta
'Hal Saflieni Hypogeum' Site
Meanwhile, on the island of Malta, Harry and Bill were preparing for their last night of scouting. So far, their success was poor. They knew there was 'something' out in wilderness, but had no idea how to get to it. They had been to multiple sites, looking for clues. One of the ruins had more potential – 'Hal Saflieni Hypogeum'.
They had toured all the ruins across Malta a dozen times by now. Open to the public, they had a good look at what had been discovered. This site was estimated to have been built as far back as 4000BC. Harry suspected it was far older. On the tours, he and Bill had a good look around. Using a few illusion charms, they had full access.
The underground burial site was impressive, this is where they were focusing. The 'Hal Saflieni Hypogeum' must have been impressive when it was first built. It led down to a lower level that was known as the 'Holy of Holies'. Harry was impressed with the bronze age structure, but he felt sure this was not the real story of Malta. Harry was sure the clues to the lost kaer was in one of the ruins they had toured. hopefully, this one.
Checking astral space, the area was pretty clean. Sterile even. Not what he would have expected of an ancient site from before recorded history. And far from the area with the corruption he felt was rising from the ground. They just needed to find a way to get there. Clues. At 1AM, Harry and Bill apparated back into the lower level and cloaked one corner of the room. Harry set up a summoning circle to see what would turn up. His real focus was to get an interpreter for the red ochre paintings. They were faded or even gone completely after all these years. He wanted clues.
Meditating for an hour, Harry set out a small coin and called out 'Arantier the Scribe'. Harry knew this was a spirit that was unbelievably old and had worked with one of his ancient relatives on the Peverell side. Slowly, the image of a tiny man began to form. He had impossibly long fingers and bulbous eyes. Obviously the immense passage of time had taken him further from his human roots.
Bill was in his own circle, watching. Harry was training Bill on ancient Nethermancy while Bill was completing Harry on modern curse breaking. This was promising to be an educational night. Language did not matter much to spirits, 'intent' was how they communicated. Sill, Harry decided to speak in ancient Theran just to speed things along.
"Ancient scribe, I am the last of the Peverells – a descendant of Elianar Messias and the keeper of the books of Harrow. I have need to review the writings in this structure that have been lost. Can you help me?"
The ancient spirit just looked at Harry. After a long period of time, the spirit held out its hand. Harry slowly reached out with the coin and placed it in the spirits hand. As it settled in, the spirit became more substantial. More human appearing. He walked through the room touching the walls. Running his fingers around every nook and cranny. Where ever he touched, lines and patterns formed. New symbols, hieroglyphs, and writing appeared. Or in this case, reappeared after thousands of years. The Ochre script was enhanced and expanded to its original form. Other painted lines - symbols and scripts - in a myriad of new colors, soon joined the ochre to show how the walls originally looked.
Once completed, the scribe walked right through the end of one wall and disappeared. Harry knew this meant there was more here. Bill began frantically documenting the current paintings on the wall. Harry knew it would fade in about an hour or so. Thank goodness for cameras and pensieves.
Harry cast a ancient spell called 'Step through' that his dad's spirit incarnation had taught him. It was an ancient illusionist spell that warped space and allowed a caster to step through walls. Pumping extra energy into the spell, he squirmed through solid stone. A simple lumos showed a stairwell that led down to a passageway. The writing was continuing.
Knowing the ancients likely set traps, Harry very slowly descended. Not trusting the steps, Harry decided to transfigure a rock into a very large dog to walk ahead of him. A short distance in, the dog fell through a false step and landed on spikes. Harry, transfigured a small bridge from the stoney remains. Once crossed, he again formed the stone dog to lead the way. Transfiguration was a 'newer' discipline of magic and was a huge aid in old tombs and kaers. The ancients had no specific preparations for it.
After descending thirty feet or so, and walking along a corridor for another hundred feet, he came to a large chamber. The entire chamber was covered in runes and ancient writing the scribe sprit had brought out. On the far wall, was a map of a large island. Harry suspected the water level had since risen and created 3 islands, Malta, Comino and Gozo. At different points, there were two stars and a circle designating something.
The ancient spirit was waiting for him. Harry made eye contact and the spirit pointed to the ground. The writing here was not ancient, it was minutes old. It was a message from the scribe. In ancient Theran, there was a script saying, "Two kaers and a citadel existed on the island. The walls will provide clues to their hidden locations. It has been a pleasure, child of Messias. Call again, and I will aid you. You have your ancestor's eyes." And he was gone.
Harry quickly memorized the room for pensieve analysis. He also took a few photos with a polaroid camera. Once he had finished documenting the walls, he collected a few pieces of pottery scattered around the room and inspected an intricately carved orichalcum chest. The box held a strong enchantment, but it appeared to be focused on protection and preservation.
The orichalcum alone was worth a fortune. After confirming that there were no curses on the container, he stepped back and levitated the box open. Within the chest was a large set of stone tablets, a crystal knife, a perfectly preserved set of ancient books and a human skull. No curses or astral corruption that he could see. Harry levitated the chest and slowly began retracing his steps. They could research the contents later. He had been gone for about an hour and Bill would likely start to get concerned.
Tomorrow they would pack up and head back to Great Britain. It had been a long three weeks and Harry was looking forward to seeing Ginny. He had planned a nice birthday for her. An evening with friends, then a romantic trip to France.
Malta had waited thousands of years, it could wait a little longer.
-CS-
Authors Notes
I love the idea of Harry with a runespoor familiar and I have not read anything similar in other fictions. I have their personalities mapped and even a few out of sequence stories ready to go about 'the girls'. They are Not at all like Hedwig, she was exactly what Harry needed in his life at the time. his new familiar is loving, but not mothering. She is more like a set of teenage triplets.