Chapter Six

Celebration took place that night as the inhabitants celebrated their freedom from the White Witch. In the morn, the Kings and Queens would be crowned but that night belonged to everyone. Kali walked around the Ball Room, greeting those who greeted her as she did. She didn't feel much like celebrating but she plastered a happy smile on her face regardless, for them. So many had died in the battle and it tore at her heart. She never wanted to be a leader for she knew that the cost of those who lost their lives would weigh on her shoulders. At least Oreius had survived, thanks to Aslan. That was one thing she felt she could smile for.

"You must learn to let the guilt go, Kali." Aslan's soft voice came from behind her. Kali turned around, her cloak fluttering gently behind her as she did so.

"It is not so easy as that, Aslan." She responded with a weary sigh. Aslan levelled a gentle, yet firm look at the teenager before him.

"Come." He instructed as he walked past her towards the balcony. Kali obeyed and followed, nodding to those who called out greetings to the pair of them.

"You may have led the armies of Narnia, Kali, but you did not send them to their deaths. Every being who died on that field chose to fight. They knew the risks and they accepted them wholeheartedly. You cannot blame yourself for their choices." Kali clenched her fists as she took a shuddering breath,

"And what of the deaths I took?" She turned to face him. "I know I can kill, I have done so before and I know I will do so again. Why is it these ones that haunt me?" Aslan sighed gently and nuzzled the teen,

"It is because these lives you took were planned on your part. You choose to fight but, in the past, they were all in self-defence. You understand the most important lesson the world lives by: Life is Sacred. You do not kill for pleasure or needlessly but rather to protect yourself and others. And that is a beautiful thing, Kali." Kali blinked, tears stinging her eyes.

"When I leave here, I will have to kill again. I have my own war awaiting me, Aslan. How do I look those I know in the eye as I kill them? This war was easier in the sense that it was never personal but back there," She shook her head, "I know them. I know what I'm going to have to do. How do I get past that?" She thought she was ready to face the war. Kali had known what she would have to do, and she had killed in the past, done what was necessary to fight back the darkness and had done so without remorse. Yet, now, after leading this war and killing so many, she didn't know how to face it in her world. To face those she knew when she struck them down.

Aslan watched as the teenager valiantly fought back her tears. Kali Potter was a brave and fearless fighter. She was cold and closed off to most due to her own experiences of what life had to offer and yet she still cared. Perhaps too much at times but she still fought for those who needed her to. Selfless. That was a word that Aslan wholeheartedly described her as.

"You remember what you fight for, Kali." He told her firmly, "You remember those you save with your actions and those who are protected because of what you must do. Your war is not a new kind, but it is one that is founded upon the most needless of reasons and that makes it all the harder. Yes, you may have to kill those who you know but you must remember that they chose to. They chose the side that advocates genocide."

"But they don't. Not all." Kali argued softly. "Some will only fight because they are being forced to by their family. They have as little choice as I do. How do I reconcile with that?" She knew it was unfair to ask this of Aslan, but she was genuinely terrified as to how the Magical War would change her. Kali knew she was closed off to most, but yet she still cared so much for those whom she had let in and for the wider wizarding world. At least the ones who hadn't proven themselves to be unworthy of her care. She was scared to see how that would change. She had now seen the darkness that war had to offer, and she dreaded to think how much bigger it was going to be in her world.

Aslan sighed, he loathed the thought of children dying for a cause not their own, but he could see no way in which to prevent it.

"Kali, listen to me closely." He waited until he was sure he had her undivided attention, "The world is unfair. You cannot save everyone no matter how much you try to. All you can is your best. No one can ask anything more and no one can vilify you for not doing more. If some die, so be it. All you can do is to help those who survive and forgive those who do not." Kali took a deep breath, somewhere inside her, his words took root. She knew not everything was suddenly alright, but the prospect of the consequences was less painful. To know that she was not going to be the fault of everything that was to come.

"When I fight and kill, Aslan, will you forgive me?" She whispered, looking down at the ground. She needed this last reassurance. To know that regardless of what was to come, there would be someone who didn't blame her. Aslan gazed solemnly at her,

"Yes, Kali. You will always be completely and utterly forgiven." He promised. Kali shuddered and allowed a single tear to escape her,

"Thank you." Aslan nuzzled her again,

"You are welcome, Kali." He responded before looking back into the hall of celebration, "I believe you should return to the festivals. Many more would like to thank you for what you did." Kali chuckled,

"You should know, I really hate attention." Aslan laughed slightly,

"Unfortunately, that is something you will receive a lot of in the years to come." He responded. Kali sighed,

"Yes, I know." She agreed before she straightened up. "Thank you, Aslan." She spoke gratefully before, with a bow of her head, she turned and walked silently back into the hall.

The next morning, the five children of the prophecy were awoken by the bright morning sun. Servants entered their quarters and helped each dress for their coronation.

"Can you believe it?" Lucy asked her sister gleefully as she looked at herself in the mirror. Never before had she dressed in such fine clothing. Susan gave her sister a gentle yet amused smile in response,

"It is difficult to believe." She agreed as she smoothed down her dress.

"Do you think we'll be good rulers?" Susan paused at the question. Honestly? She didn't have a clue. They were children and yet we're expected to lead a country. It was a scary prospect.

"I think we'll be as good as we aim to be." She replied slowly, "As long as well listen to one another and to council, we will be fine." Lucy nodded, serious for once.

"I think so too." She agreed.

"Come on then, I think it's time to meet the others," Susan stated, holding her hand out for her little sister. Lucy grinned and took it. Together, they walked out of their room and down the hall for their brothers.

"I look like a dolt," Edmund stated as he looked at himself in the mirror. The soft silk was nice and all but that didn't change the fact that he looked like a dolt.

"You look fine, Edmund." Peter sighed as he fastened the cloak under his neck. Edmund turned to him and raised an eyebrow.

"You at least get two different colours. I, on the other hand, am dressed in silver!"

"Two shades of silver." Peter teased. Edmund rolled his eyes,

"Like that makes it any better." He retorted, frowning at himself in the mirror.

"Just suck it up, Ed. You look great." Peter stated. Edmund sighed but nodded,

"Fine. Just don't expect me to wear it again." He replied. Peter smirked,

"Deal."

Just then a knock on their door alerted them to the arrival of their sisters. Peter made his way over and opened it.

"Well, don't you two look beautiful?" He greeted with a charming smile. Both his sisters blushed at the compliment.

"You don't look too bad either, Peter." Susan responded as she walked into the room, Lucy behind her. "Look at you, Ed, you clean up rather nicely when you want to." She teased.

"I'll have you know, I look better than Peter." Edmund retorted jokingly as he straightened up and acted posh. The four of them erupted into laughter.

"Has anyone seen Kali?" Peter asked as they finally got themselves under control. The girls shook their heads,

"No." Susan answered, "I haven't seen her since last night."

"Me neither." Lucy agreed. Peter sighed,

"Well, I guess we'll see her in the Entrance Hall shortly." He looked at the girls, "Are you ready? We should get going." Nods greeted his suggestion and together, the four children left the room.


Kali was, in fact, waiting for them in the Entrance Hall. The four Penvensie children stopped short as they took in the older girl. Kali was standing tall dressed in black trousers, a dark, midnight blue tunic with a gold lion roaring up to the sky in the middle and a black cloak held together by a golden brooch around her neck. In her right hand was a tall, black staff with a dark blue sapphire held at the tip. Her hair flowed freely down her back save for two partings on either side drawn back into a plait down her spine.

"Kali." Peter greeted, stunned at the appearance. Kali nodded to them with a slight smile,

"Well met." She responded.

"Why do you have a staff?" Susan asked, looking confused at the weapon. Kali smirked slightly and considered the tool in her hand,

"Aslan and Oreius came to me last night. It is my gift from them as a symbol of my power. I am a child of Emrys, it is in my blood and my right to weld a magical stave." She explained. She had certainly been shocked when they arrived and gifted it to her. She had taken it, gratefully, but had been warned of its increased power. Her magic would be overpowered in the beginning and so she would need to learn how to use it and control it.

"Well. I guess that's one way of telling us apart." Edmund joked. The others laughed, and the awkwardness subsided.

Just at that moment, Lucy saw Aslan approaching from down another hallway.

"Aslan!" She called happily, rushing over to the old lion and hugging him tightly. Aslan laughed softly and brought a paw up to the girl's back, embracing her in return.

"Hello, Lucy." He responded. Lucy pulled back from her hug and grinned.

"Well met, Aslan." Kali greeted with a slight bow of her head. Aslan looked at her and nodded in return,

"Well met, Kali." His gaze lingered on the staff for a moment before he greeted the other three children. Turning to face them all, his eyes turned serious, "It is time." The sound of horns erupted at the proclamation. The Penvensie children exchanged a nervous look whilst Kali remained unconcerned. She had learnt long ago to be unbothered by the attention of crowds; the Wizarding World had not held back their attention when she had returned. She just didn't like the bowing that she knew was going to become a fixture in her life as Queen.

They lined up behind Aslan in a row, facing the doors. Aslan gave them once last reassuring nod before walking towards the doors, which were opened as he approached. The horns changed tune as they walked slowly through the rows of soldiers and Centaurs, all cheering and holding banners. The hall itself was incredible, decorated elegantly yet showcasing the strength and pride that the Narnians held for their new Kings and Queens. Without pausing, Aslan led the children up to the raised dais where five golden thrones awaited them.

Each of them turned to face the crowd, their backs to their own throne. Kali had the middle throne with Peter and Edmund on her right and Susan and Lucy on her left. Aslan allowed the cheering to go on for a moment longer before calling for silence. Everyone watched as Mr. Tumnus walked down the aisle with the beavers behind, both carrying the crowns on cushions.

"To the glistening eastern sea, I give you Queen Lucy, the Valiant." Aslan announced grandly. They all watched as Mr. Tumnus picked up a silver circlet from the cushion that Mrs. Beaver was holding and gently carried it to the young girl. Lucy grinned up at her friend and curtsied lightly as the circlet was placed on her head.

"To the great western woods, I give you King Edmund, the Just." Aslan announced once more. Edmund knelt to accept his silver crown before exchanging a grin with Peter. He couldn't believe this was actually happening.

"To the radiant southern sun, I give you Queen Susan, the Gentle." He announced the next monarch of Narnia. Susan accepted her golden circlet with pride. Mr. Tumnus smiled gently at her as he placed it on her head.

"To the clear northern skies, I give you King Peter, the Magnificent." Peter took in a deep breath as he knelt. Mr. Tumnus placed the golden crown upon the High King's head and bowed as he took a step back. Finally, Aslan turned to the last Monarch.

"And to the luminous eternal Moon, I give you Queen Kali, the Righteous." Kali stared ahead as she knelt to receive her crown. Standing once more, the golden crown resting easily upon her head, she smiled. Aslan observed the five, pride evident in his stance, "Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen." He informed them as he watched the children take their seats on their thrones. "May your wisdom grace us until the stars come raining down from the heavens."

Kali took a deep breath, unable to quite believe that this was happening.

"Long live Queen Kali! Long live King Peter! Long live Queen Susan! Long live King Edmund! Long live Queen Lucy!" She stared as everyone started cheering. Looking at the others, she could see that they were all grinning like lunatics and she had to smile at their glee. Still, she wondered what life would have install for her whilst she was in Narnia. She was not naïve enough to think that she would live her whole life here considering the Prophecy hanging over her in her own world, but Kali thought she might just get to delay that future for a while.


The children stayed on their thrones for another hour as the inhabitants of Narnia broke ranks and began to set up for the celebration. Apparently, the party last night was not in any way good enough to celebrate the crowning of their new Kings and Queens. Kali held in a sigh. Could she slip away? Surely it wouldn't be too difficult? Her eyes darted around the large hall looking for exits that could be of use. Unfortunately for her, her eyes caught Aslan's who stared sternly at her.

'Do not even think about it, Kali." Kali heard his voice in her head. Slumping slightly back into her throne, she lowered her eyes in defeat. The rumble of laughter she heard after that told her that Aslan found amusement in her position. Despite the annoyance she felt at being caught, she couldn't feel annoyed at Aslan for stopping her. Instead, she turned her attention to the fauns who were beginning to play their musical instruments.

"Come on Kali!" Lucy hopped excitedly in front of the elder teen. Kali raised an eyebrow,

"I don't dance, Lucy." She responded, knowing what she wanted. Lucy pouted and turned her eyes to her brother for help. Edmund and Susan hid a grin as Peter instantly caved under his sister's puppy eyes. Holding out a hand for the eldest teen, he offered a charming smile,

"Just one dance?" Kali looked between them,

"Step on my toes once, High King Peter, and you will find yourself on the ground faster than you can say 'ow'. Are we clear?" She replied, taking his offered hand as she mentally dismissed the staff back to its place in her pocket dimension. Peter paled and gulped at the threat.

"Clear, High Queen Kali." He responded before leading her out to the middle of the dance floor. The Narnians cleared a large space for them, all watching as the High King and Queen took their first dance.

It became clear to Kali that Peter had never danced before in his life as he awkwardly led her in a small circle. Inwardly, she thanked Professor McGonagall for forcing her into those dancing lessons in her fourth year.

"Relax." She murmured as she finally took control. "Take a step back with your left foot." Peter followed her instructions as she mirrored them. It was a simple four-step dance, but it was better than what he had been trying to dance with. Peter grew more confident as they repeated the steps, finally taking control and actually leading her in the moves.

"Thank you." He whispered gratefully, having become extremely flustered at the attention they were receiving. The giggles from his sisters hadn't helped. Kali smiled slightly,

"No problem. Believe it or not, I was worse when I first started."

"Really?" He had trouble believing that.

"Really. My practice dance partner was very much in pain by the end of the first few sessions with bruised toes." Peter had to chuckle at that though he was thankful he wasn't in that position.

"You've been dancing long then?" He asked. From the corner of his eye, he could see Edmund dancing with Susan whilst Lucy was cheerfully dancing in a circle with Mr. Tumnus.

"Only a year or so." Kali responded. "A Yule Ball was compulsory that year due to a Tournament being held with champions competing from schools from around the world. As one such champion, I was required to open the Ball and therefore was required to learn how to dance." She explained. Peter nodded, silently wishing that his school did something similar, at least before the war broke out.

"Well, if your dance partner's feet were so bruised when you started, then you have made amazing progress in a year." He complimented. Kali's lips twitched,

"Thank you." She responded with a slight inclination of her head.

They danced through another two songs before they changed partners, a brave faun offering his services to her whilst Susan came to dance with her elder brother. Edmund reluctantly offered his hand to Lucy who took it delightedly. They remained on the dance floor for another hour or so before the feast was called and they all took their seats. Kali decided to do the proper queenly thing and stood up with her goblet in her hand. Everyone quietened down and gazed at her, waiting for the toast that they knew was going to happen,

"I know this victory has been long and hard-fought." She started, "Many of you may be thinking it due to our presence here that it has finally come." She gestured to the Penvensie children on either side of her, "But that is not true. You all fought for your freedom and the peace that we hope to enjoy, and therefore I propose this toast: To Narnia and all who live here."

"To Narnia!" Chorused everyone in the hall, lifting their own goblets up with pride. Kali smiled and took a sip before she sat back down. The feast officially began.

"Good idea." Peter commented approvingly. Kali shrugged lightly,

"Seemed appropriate." It was something similar to what Dumbledore did at the start of every feast at Hogwarts. Though at least hers was understandable and didn't leave those listening confused or doubting her sanity.

The feast was delicious, giving the feasts at Hogwarts a run for their money. Kali had spoken with the Penvensie when they asked her questions or delivering dry comments whenever she felt it warranted. Her comments went right over the head of Lucy and Edmund though elicited laughter from Peter and Susan. But alas, the evening of celebrations came to an end, much to the relief of all the children.

"We thank you all for the celebration that you have created for us, we enjoyed every moment of it. But alas it is time for us to retire to bed. I bid you all a well-rested night." Kali spoke to the hall, Peter and Susan delivering their own farewells before they helped their younger siblings to bed. Poor Lucy was already fast asleep in Peter's arms as he carried her out.


The days and later months that followed flew by as the Kings and Queens began to learn in earnest how to rule their kingdom. The news that Aslan had left them was hard to digest for he had been the main reason why they had become the rulers, each believing that the great lion would be there to help them. They soon, however, allowed the hurt to pass as they grew more confident in their roles as sovereigns.

Kali continued to be the most level headed yet ruthless one of the five. She often made the final decisions in ruling Narnia and never allowed a threat to occur when she could prevent it. She stood as Narnia's Greatest Protector.

Peter mellowed slightly with age but was still the one who suggested war more often than peace when the possibility arose. Still, as High King, he was continued to be seen as one of the main Protectors of the Kingdom, alongside Kali.

Edmund grew to be true to his title; the Just. He listened to both sides equally without judgment before casting his vote in favor of one person or another. Furthermore, he developed a silver tongue that was equal to his skill with a blade, much to his siblings' horror.

Susan became one of the greatest healers within the land of Narnia and an intellect to boot. She was forever arguing with Peter, trying to stop some of his more foolish decisions, much to the amusement of the others.

And finally, Lucy. Lucy never grew out of her open-mindedness and kindness and for that, she was much loved by the people. Furthermore, she became fairly skilled with a katana thanks to lessons from Kali, much to Peter's consternation. He loathed the thought of his sister fighting. He had originally attempted to stop the lessons, citing his right as her older brother. He quickly changed his mind after both sisters went after him with their weapons and Kali poisoned him. Not enough to kill him, but enough to keep him sick for several weeks. That forever cemented his fear of the eldest royal.

And so, for near two decades, the five children of prophecy ruled Narnia with a well-balanced deposition. But it was at the ending of the second decade that disaster struck. Kali had begged leave from a riding trip that day, citing that she needed to speak to Oreius about a matter of importance. And so it was that the four Penvensie royals went out for a ride and never returned.

Kali sent out patrol groups by the dozen in an effort to locate them but was only met with failure. The horses were found and a curious lamppost too, but the Penvensies remained missing. After much thought and discussion with Oreius, Kali realised they must have returned to their own time. But willingly or not, she couldn't quite forgive them, for they had abandoned her to rule Narnia alone.

And she did.

For five more decades, she ruled Narnia alone. She watched as the land was plunged into war again and again by neighbouring kingdoms, all hoping to get a piece of the wealth and prosperity that Narnia had been blessed with since the White Witch had died. Again and again, Kali repelled them, but she knew that she couldn't do it for much longer. Already, she was in her late nineties and so she knew her time of fighting and leading from the front lines was ending. Being a witch had some perks, Kali admitted. It was the reason why she had been able to fight for so long. She had never married, never found the partner that she could love, not even for the kingdom. The inhabitants were mournful of the fact but were accepting. Kali was a beloved ruler for all, and they could not fault her for doing one thing for herself as opposed to what was best for the kingdom. But they wondered how much longer they had her for before she too left them.

"My time is drawing to a near." Kali uttered simply as she stood on the balcony overlooking Narnia. Her crown rested easy on her silver-streaked head even as she leaned slightly on her staff. Oreius gazed at his Queen sadly. As a Centaur, he lived much longer than humans and so he would outlive his Queen.

"But it is not yet over." He returned. Kali looked over her shoulder and smiled tiredly at him,

"Soon." She replied gently, as though softening a particularly horrible blow. "My strength is leaving my body even if my magic has only grown stronger."

"The people will not let you go." Oreius uttered strongly, utterly certain in his belief. Kali had led them through both peace and war, acting as protector or leader whenever the need arose. But she could not do it forever.

Oreius had noticed how much of the most recent battle had taken its toll. His Queen had annihilated the enemy but at a great cost. Her strength was leaving her too quickly for it to be mistaken as anything else. The Queen was dying.

"I am afraid they have little choice in the matter." Kali replied with a light chuckle, "When I go, Oreius, I want you to take up leadership of Narnia." She continued seriously, turning around to look at him. Oreius blinked, startled.

"What?" Kali smirked lightly,

"When I go, Narnia will need a leader to see them through. I may have brought Narnia some peace with my last battle, but even I cannot say it will last forever. Narnia needs a protector and I can think of no one finer than you."

Oreius was stunned at the information. He had always known that Kali had a high opinion of him, but he had never thought it extended this far.

"My Queen." He started, then stopped, unsure what he going to say. Kali sighed lightly,

"Tell me you will do it." She demanded, "Tell me that you will do your best to defend our people." Oreius straightened up. A command from his Queen, he would never disobey,

"Till my dying breath." He swore. Kali smiled, relief in her eyes.

"Good. Thank you, my old friend." She spoke quietly.

"Of course." He could think of no other response. Kali nodded,

"I will retire to my rooms, I think. I have one last thing I need to do before I sleep."

"My Queen." Oreius bowed low as he stepped aside for the tall female to pass him. Kali nodded but paused next to before reaching out a hand to grasp his,

"It has been an honour, old friend." She whispered. Oreius sucked in a breath, realisation coming to him. Once the Queen fell asleep, she would never awaken.

"It has been indeed, My Queen." He replied quietly, his low voice rumbled slightly. Kali gave him one last nod before continuing on her way.


Once in her rooms, she took a deep breath. She knew her death was coming, and she was silently relieved. It meant that she had avoided the prophecy of her homeworld. One part of her felt guilty for condemning her world to death but a larger part was uncaring. The Wizarding World had done themselves no favours in their treatment of her. in the years in Narnia, Kali had been able to finally work through her grief and the expectations that had been placed upon her. She had come to the realisation that the Wizarding World had reaped what they had sowed. If they did not want to fight against Voldemort, then she wasn't to blame for their deaths.

There was only one last duty she had to perform before she could greet Death. Kneeling on the floor, she conjured a knife and slit her palm deeply before pushing her bloody hand to the tiles, allowing her blood to soak into the ground. With gritted teeth, she then pooled her magic, every last bit, and forced it through her blood and into the ground, flooding the land,

"With my blood may the land be protected.

With my magic may the people be safe.

With my strength may Narnia know peace." She chanted in Latin, layering her words with magic, creating a powerful ward that erected over Narnia's boarders.

All across Narnia, inhabitants shivered and trembled as waves of powerful magic washed over them. Not many realised what it was they were feeling, but those that did were both in awe and terrified. They knew the price of such magic and they knew it was their Queen who was sacrificing her life for Narnia's protection.

Five minutes later and her chant finally ceased. Drawing back what little magic she still had, Kali shuddered and fell forwards. Great gasps echoed throughout her room as she tried to breathe and recover, but she knew it was useless.

She was dying. And she was okay with that.

Knowing it was useless to try and make it to her bed, Kali merely collapsed onto the floor and waited for death to take her.

"Your journey does not end here, little one." A low voice rumbled in her mind. Kali gasped, her eyes lighting up with recognition.

"Aslan." She panted.

"Dear Kali, you have given Narnia a wondrous gift." His tone was warm and kind, "But it is not your time to pass on yet. You still have much to do." A tune of heavenly music trilled through the air before a familiar red fletched arrow thudded into the floor near her hand. "It is time for you to return to your own world now, Kali. The fate of its inhabitants will be in your hands." Kali closed her eyes and took a shuddering breath,

"What if I want it to end, Aslan?"

"I am afraid you do not get a choice, dear one. The Fates have ordained your presence in your world." Aslan replied though his tone conveyed his sorrow and regret. Kali huffed slightly, of course, they would. It's not like she had free will and all.

"Very well." She finally stated as her frail fingers grasped the arrow, "Will I see you again?"

"Oh dear one, I am always with you." Aslan informed her gently, "But we will see each other again one day." He added. Kali opened her mouth to ask but before a sound could escape her, the music started up again. With a flash of light, she disappeared.

AN: So, this chapter is finished. I have only one more chapter planned for this story. Hope you guys have enjoyed it.

Stay safe.

S.