Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling.
Magic Break Can't Be Seen
Harry Potter
October 31st, 2017
Harry blinked, trying to adjust to the blinding sun that was not there a moment ago. A moment ago he was deep underground, trying to come to terms with the fact that Nicolas Flamel was a monster, and the next Daphne Dantes of all people was rescuing him.
"I know you're stunned Potter, but we're on a time limit," Daphne said impatiently. Harry's vision cleared enough to find them at the gates of Hogwarts. She pulled his arm, and to Harry's surprise he moved forward due to her overwhelming strength.
He pulled his arm free. "What the hell is going on, Daphne? We need to go back and stop Flamel!" Harry shouted. Daphne gave him an annoyed look.
"Alexander is handling Flamel. Right now we need to retrieve the residents of Hogwarts before it's destroyed!" Daphne said, before turning and walking swiftly up the path to Hogwarts.
Harry only stood there in stunned silence for a moment before hurrying after her. "What do you mean destroyed?" he demanded as they walked.
Daphne ignored him though, reaching up to tap her throat with one glowing hand, causing it to glow blue. "Attention citizens of Hogwarts! Please gather in the Great Hall! Peril approaches Hogwarts and there is no time to lose!" she said, her voice echoing over the grounds and all the way up to the castle. Harry didn't doubt everyone within the castle heard her clearly.
She pulled her hand away from her throat, allowing the glow to fade. "Once we're inside the castle, Potter, I'll be explaining the situation. And then I'll be taking Scorpius and anyone else who wishes with me to Cape Horn for safety. The offer for you and your family to join us still stands, but we don't have the time for an invasive series of questions."
Harry's face twisted angrily. "I suppose you'll be explaining everything inside?" he spat. Daphne nodded. "Then I will wait."
The pair made quick progress, on account for Daphne's pace. Harry struggled to keep up with her longer strides, cursing whatever made her and Alexander so tall. They found the doors to Hogwarts unbarred, with a furious-looking Professor McGonagall standing there.
"What is this nonsense of peril? And where have you been, Mr. Potter! Your family has been worried sick!" the Headmistress of Hogwarts said. Harry gave her a tired smile.
"It's good to see you too, Headmistress," Harry said. Daphne quickly cut him off.
"Hogwarts is about to be destroyed by the Muggles. Is everyone inside the Great Hall?" Daphne asked, brushing past the elderly witch with ease. Professor McGonagall sputtered in disbelief.
"Destroyed by Muggles? And who are you?" Professor McGonagall demanded, following Daphne. Harry trailed them both as they entered Hogwarts.
"Daphne Dantes, formerly Greengrass," Daphne said unconcernedly. She pushed open the heavy doors leading into the Great Hall.
The Great Hall was packed, not just with students, but families, members of Dumbledore's Army, and the last remnants of the Order of the Phoenix. Harry was surprised so many people were present, but soon had his answer as his best friends, Ron and Hermione Weasley rushed forward, with Ginny and Lily followed closely behind.
"Harry! Where have you been?" Hermione asked, throwing her arms around him. Ron stood behind her, clapping a heavy hand onto his shoulder. Hermione let go of him just in time for Ginny and Lily to slam into him.
"I've spent some time as Flamel's prisoner," Harry said. Professor McGonagall's gasp behind him told him she was close by.
"Why were you his prisoner?" Ginny asked.
"I found out he is a Dark Lord," Harry said. The entire Great Hall quieted down into near silence as that news spread. "He's a monster Ginny, he was killing children."
"I can't believe that," Professor McGonagall murmured. "He and Albus were always so close!"
"Dumbledore wasn't much better," Daphne said, causing everyone to focus on her.
"And where do you come in during all this, Ms. Greengrass?" Professor McGonagall asked, causing whispers to echo throughout the Great Hall. It appeared no one had recognized her.
A frown marred Daphne's beautiful face. "It's Dantes now. And I was the one who saved Harry Potter from being killed. Just as I am now here to save the students of Hogwarts."
A buzz filled the Great Hall, but it was Scorpius Malfoy, a tiny first-year, who broke it. "You're my auntie?"
Daphne smiled. "I am. I am also here to bring you to your mother and father."
"Malfoy is dead," Ron Weasley said. "Mikael killed him."
Harry saw Scorpius flinch at the reminder, but it was Daphne who spoke. "Draco is with his wife, my sister, helping her recover from having the Blood Curse removed from her. They're both eager to see you again," she said with a comforting smile.
"What are you here to 'save' us from," Hermione asked. Harry could see how she was suspicious of the ex-Slytherin.
In response Daphne held her hand up in the air, toward the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall. The sky slowly shimmered and twisted, the clouds vanishing to be replaced with a Muggle skyline. Harry could recognize the skyline of London and was confused why Daphne was showing this to them.
Daphne flicked her wrist, drawing everyone's attention back to her. "I've linked the enchanted ceiling to a stone Alexander placed in London. This is a real-time view of Muggle London," she calmly explained.
"Fascinating," Hermione murmured, her wand in hand and flicking toward the ceiling. "It's like a Protean Charm but it's almost acting like a video camera. Did you make this?"
"My husband did," Daphne said, eyeing Hermione distastefully. "Pay attention to the skyline, it's about to happen."
The Great Hall quieted down as they watched the skyline, and Harry joined them. As the seconds passed, unease filled Harry's belly, especially as he watched small lines appear in the distance.
"Daphne? What are those?" Harry asked, his arms tightly wrapped around his wife and daughter. He had his answer a moment later.
The skyline vanished in a bright light, causing many watching to scream in panic as they were suddenly blinded. The light faded after a moment, revealing a large, billowing cloud that was slowly growing. More bright lights flashed within this cloud, and one struck closer to their viewpoint, dominating the ceiling. It must have disrupted the enchantment, as everything faded, and the ceiling returned to showing the nearby sky.
"Oh my God," Hermione whispered. She reached out and clutched Ron's arm desperately. "Oh my God."
"Hermione? What's wrong?" Ron asked hurriedly. He grew red and panicked when his wife didn't immediately answer, and he turned toward Daphne. "What did you do to my wife, you no good dirty snake!"
Daphne shot Ron an unimpressed glare but answered Harry's earlier question. "Those were nuclear missiles. As you can see, they're quite dangerous."
She turned to the rest of the Great Hall. "My name is Daphne Dantes! I received word twenty minutes ago that a nuclear missile was on its way to Hogwarts!"
Panic immediately set in, and everyone shouted. Daphne raised her hand, snapping her fingers, and it was like someone set off a firecracker right in their face. Everyone immediately quieted down. "My husband and I have built a stronghold that can withstand these attacks. The Portrait of the Founders of Hogwarts has negotiated for the safe passage and shelter of all those who call Hogwarts home, namely yourselves. You have five minutes to decide to accompany me to this stronghold, or you may take your chances and stay here."
Deafening silence fell over the crowd as everyone contemplated Daphne's words. Harry was a mess of emotions, but fear was the most predominate. His sons pushed through the crowd and joined the family hug, and Harry was a little surprised that Albus dragged Scorpius along. He said nothing as he welcomed all three into the hug.
"You married Alexander Dantes?" Professor McGonagall asked. Her face was red and angry and never had Harry seen her this furious. "You expect us to believe the word of a liar and a cheat?"
"I don't expect you to do anything. You seem to be blind toward Alexander, and I could never figure out why," Daphne said. The Great Hall burst into noise as everyone spoke at once.
"Because he's a liar! This is all a trick!"
It clicked. At that very moment Harry understood why he was there, why Flamel had been revealed as a Dark Lord, and why he was allowed to leave Cape Horn with his memories intact. It was so he could be right here, right now, and convince everyone that they were in danger, that their only chance of safety lay with Daphne Dantes. And a second later, Harry remembered the date.
Halloween. Everything bad always happened to him on Halloween. He just never expected the world to end.
Magic Break Can't Be Seen
Daphne Dantes
October 31st, 2017
Besides her, Harry Potter suddenly froze, before bristling slightly. Daphne almost smirked at Potter, amused that it took him this long to understand just why everything had happened in the way it did. She wondered if he appreciated the sheer scale of manipulation needed to reach this point, but she doubted it. It took him until the end of the world, after all.
"Daphne speaks the truth!" Harry shouted. It took a moment for the Great Hall to settle down and turn its attention back to him. "Our relations with the Muggles has become increasingly unstable over the past few months, to the point where they've begun the witch hunts anew. I can see how they would grow desperate enough to use these weapons."
Daphne watched as Harry pulled away from his family. "Flamel has also fooled us all. The most vile Dark Lord to ever live, even more terrible than Voldemort, and I don't know how we can stop him."
"You stopped Voldemort though!" someone in the audience shouted. "You can defeat him!"
Harry shook his head before the crowd could get swept up in that false hope. "He toyed with me. He could have ended me at any moment, he only allowed me to fight him as long as he did because he viewed it as a game. He won't ever make that mistake again."
"Enemies surround you on all sides," Daphne shouted. "You may accompany me, and the safety I promise, or take the chance here that ancient wards and stones may protect you from fire hotter than Fiendfyre. But some of you will not be allowed to accompany us, regardless."
Daphne stared at Professor McGonagall calmly. The elderly witch seemed shocked. "What do you mean, Miss Greengrass?"
"It's Lady Dantes now. And it was part of the bargain Alexander and I struck with the Founders. They would give us the information we needed, and we would allow the inhabitants of Hogwarts sanctuary in times of crisis. Helga Hufflepuff was most eager to see to the children's protection, but the other three allowed us to name exceptions."
The crowd immediately protested, fearing that they would be prevented from entering this promised sanctuary. Daphne raised a hand, and they silenced themselves once more. "Fear not. There are only four people who will not be permitted entry. They are Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Vector, as well as Madam Pomfrey."
Silence fell over the hall as everyone turned to look at the witches and wizard who could not join them. The three women seemed shocked, but Flitwick has a resigned look on his face.
"Mr. Dantes never forgave us, did he?" the half-goblin professor asked. He looked even smaller than he once was.
Flitwick's question seemed to confuse the crowd, but Daphne nodded. "Why would he? You allowed a young child to be tortured, and contributed to it with your inaction. Even Helga Hufflepuff was disgusted by the lack of integrity the staff of Hogwarts demonstrated, and that's why she allowed the concession. You have only yourselves to blame."
"This is nonsense! Dantes was a vile cheat and I won't hear another word of it!" Professor Vector shouted. The crowd looked between her and Daphne, confusion on their faces.
"Alexander Dantes created the Riddle Coins as a test to find those honorable witches and wizards who could aid him in building a stronghold to protect our species in the event of a disaster. He's created runic languages, rediscovered the Philosopher's Stone, and even tamed the werewolf affliction, feats that are far beyond anyone here. You are a fool, Vector, and I will not shed a tear for your death," Daphne calmly said.
Ignoring the sputtering witch, Daphne turned to the rest of the Great Hall. "Time is running out. If you wish to leave, you must make your choice now. If you wish to stay behind, please move closer to the Staff Table."
Slowly the crowd sorted themselves, with the bulk approaching Daphne by the entrance to the Great Hall. But a not insignificant crowd moved to the Staff Table, eyeing her suspiciously, and muttering under their breath. She turned to watch Harry encourage the Weasleys to join her, before he turned to Hagrid.
"So you're staying?" Harry asked. The gentle half-giant nodded.
"Hogwarts is my home. If something bad comes this way, well, maybe I'll be able to help them," Hagrid said. Tears fell from the eyes of both men.
"You were my first friend, Hagrid," Harry said, hugging Hagrid. Hagrid thumped his back.
"Take care of yourself, Harry. Don't get into any trouble," Hagrid said, with an unsubtle look toward Daphne. Daphne merely smiled but turned her attention back to Professor McGonagall, who was speaking to the other professors.
"You need to go look after the children, Neville. They'll need guidance and for someone to continue their education," Professor McGonagall said. It took Daphne a moment to recognize Neville Longbottom, especially since he had long lost the baby fat of youth and had grown a beard.
"Of course, Minerva," Neville said. Daphne couldn't let this moment pass without comment.
"Why would you think we don't have a school already in place? If you wish to continue being a teacher, Longbottom, you'll need to prove your ability to the residents of the Acropolis," she warned.
He eyed her warily. "And how would I do that?" he asked.
Daphne shrugged. "It depends on the subject in question. For example, if you wish to teach Transfiguration you must master the Metamorphmagus transformation."
"You can't just master that! You have to be born with it!" Hermione Weasley protested. Daphne eyed her with contempt. With nary a thought, Daphne's form twisted until she stood as a mirror image to the startled witch.
"Speak for yourself," Daphne said in Hermione's voice, causing those nearby to flinch at the mocking tone. She then returned to her normal form. "Only the best may rise to the coveted teaching positions, we have no need of fools."
Daphne's gaze flickered to Vector, causing the older witch to burn red with anger. But Daphne ignored her, seeing how the crowd had finally split into two. "Mopsy!" Daphne called, and a moment later, the House-elf appeared.
Only Mopsy didn't look all that similar to a House-elf anymore. Her body was twisting and bulging unnaturally, as if something was trying to escape from within. Her eyes glowed with magic, but shadows moved behind the pupils, making her eyes look much darker than they were. Mopsy's mouth was stretched wide, showing off a new set of teeth that was sharp and offputting to look at.
As the humans in the Great Hall recoiled in disgust and surprise, Daphne greeted Mopsy warmly. "I'm glad to see you're doing so well, Mopsy," Daphne said.
Mopsy's grin stretched even further. "I'm happy to see you too, Daphne," Mopsy said in a rough, feminine voice that did not suit her at all. The crowd gasped at the unnatural sound.
Daphne pointed to the crowd by the doors. "These are the ones that will accompany me. Could you have your House-elves retrieve their belongings and send them on their way? I'm almost done here."
"Of course," Mopsy said, before snapping her long, spiderlike fingers. She vanished.
"What the hell was that?" Ron Weasley asked, his face aghast.
"That was a House-elf in the penultimate stage of their life cycle. She's on the verge of becoming a poltergeist," Daphne explained. She could hear the sound of hooves on stones in the distance.
"House-elves don't become poltergeists!" Hermione protested. Daphne rolled her eyes.
"Your ignorance is only surpassed by your arrogance in thinking you know everything," Daphne shot back. "Please move away from the doors, we're about to have company."
While most were confused, those closest to the Entrance Hall pushed themselves and their neighbors away from the doors. A moment passed before they were pushed open, revealing dozens of Centaurs. The herd stayed in the Entrance Hall while one Centaur approached Daphne. To the surprise of everyone, it bowed to her.
"Huntress. As agreed upon with the pact I made with your Alpha, my herd is here for salvation. We place ourselves under the protection of your mountain and pack," the Centaur growled out. He seemed frustrated and resigned to the fate of his herd.
"Centaur. We will not abuse the trust you've placed with us. Your herd will be protected in our home until such a time that we, together, find a safe place for you to reestablish yourselves," Daphne confirmed. The watching witches and wizards stared at the pair as if they weren't sure what was happening.
Mopsy reappeared, startling the Centaur. She grinned up at him but turned to Daphne. "Their belongings are moved, even those who had hidden things. The pets, too."
"Thank you, Mopsy." Daphne turned to the watching crowd. "Last chance to back out."
She allowed a moment to pass before nodding. "Mopsy, have your elves move them."
First it was one, then two, then a dozen elves appearing, latching on to a witch or wizard, and vanishing with them with a pop. The Centaurs barely whinnied when four elves reached out for each of them, vanishing to some unknown place where they would be protected from the Muggle bombs.
Finally, it was just Daphne, Mopsy, and the witches and wizards who were staying at Hogwarts. Daphne eyed them with blatant contempt and amusement but turned her attention to Mopsy. "Are you sure you don't wish to come?"
Mopsy shook her head. "It is time for us to return to our home. When Alex bonded with me, I expected to grow strong, but I have become so much more than any other poltergeist before me, enough to reclaim our home. Besides, your population is too small to sustain the House-elves, let alone the poltergeists. One day, I will return and we will have a glorious reunion of chaos!"
Daphne smiled. "Then I wish you well, Mopsy. I look forward to seeing you again one day," she said, before touching the Riddle Coin in her pouch. A moment later the Portkey activated, hooking around her navel and dragging her back home to the Acropolis.
Magic Break Can't Be Seen
Mopsy
October 31st, 2017
Pain. Her insides were filled with pain, fire, and magic. Like all House-elves, their true name long forgotten, Mopsy feared and desired this pain. For it was the pain of rebirth, and it was something they were all born knowing.
Serving the wizards sated the flames, helped calm them, made it less. But it made them weaker, taking away their memory and true strength. Chaos helped fan the flames, made them grow stronger, but there were so many kinds of chaos. Peeves was born out of humor and it reflected on his personality, but Mopsy? She would be born out of something much worse.
She could see how the wizards in the hall eyed her warily, how they touched their fragile wands to reassure themselves. They weren't like Alex, forged through pain and suffering, they were weak. Frightened. Afraid to push the limits.
Mopsy had bonded to Alex years ago, tying her magic to his, when he was just becoming a man. She didn't know why at the time, but when she cleaned up after him at Hogwarts, she always felt a little more powerful. So she watched the boy, as pain, fire, and misery made him into the man he was now.
And so, unlike the rest of House-elves who used the wizard's magic to calm the flames, she used Alex's magic to stoke hers. The pain was punishing, but she tried to hold on, especially when she observed the discipline Alex had. He did not shy away from the pain, especially when it would allow him to grow stronger, become more. She sought to emulate him.
Years ago she felt the beginning of the transformation, the point to where she could become a poltergeist. Yet when the moment came, she denied herself. Alex had taught her discipline, to control the pain, and she would not accept the transformation until it was time.
And finally, it was time.
"Mopsy, what's wrong with you?" Professor McGonagall asked. Mopsy grinned up at her.
"Nothing is wrong with me. I'm just becoming what I was always meant to be."
Mopsy screamed. The fire burning within her exploded, burning her from the inside out. Her magic sang as it was finally free, lashing around her with a vengeance. For one glorious moment, Mopsy felt as though she could burn the whole world to ash with her might alone.
But Alex had taught her discipline, and slowly she reclaimed herself. Piece by piece her body rebuilt itself, pulling back to rejoin one another. But it was no longer the shrunken, shriveled form of a House-elf, or the twisted parody of humanity that was a poltergeist. She was what her people were always meant to be.
Three meters tall, with powerful wings pushing from her back, she cut an impressively terrifying figure. Muscles capable of crushing stone moved under her skin, which felt like a shark's, smooth in one direction and rough in the opposite. Long, inhuman ears poked from her new head of black hair, and when she opened her eyes, they were now glowing red with flame.
"Mopsy?" Professor McGonagall asked, horror in her tone. She and the other witches and wizards had been far enough away from her to survive her transformation, although much of the Great Hall was now singed.
"My name is Morgana," she said, renaming herself. It felt right. Morgana's new ears twitched, alerting her that something loud was screaming its way to Hogwarts. She eyed the cowering witches and wizards, contemplating killing them, but she restrained herself. Her beloved Alex had already seen to their demise, there was no need to pursue further action.
Morgana snapped her fingers and was pleased when her magic responded just as easily as it had when she was a House-elf. Her magic summoned her elves, bringing Peeves along with them. "We're leaving," she said.
Before the stunned gaze of the magicals, Morgana rose into the air, her wings lazily flapping. An elaborate dress was conjured around her body as she went, the House-elves and Peeves orbiting her as they were always meant to. She gave one nasty look to the witches and wizards below, before reaching out with her soul, magic, and mind to the dimension of her species' birth.
They slid out of sync with reality, falling through the world as though it was a cloud. As Morgana traveled back to their home dimension with her loyal subjects at her heel, she glanced back at the reality she just left.
"I'll be returning for you, Alex," Morgana vowed eagerly. And she would. One day.
Magic Break Can't Be Seen
Alexander Dantes
Two Years Ago
Life went on as the Lycan settled in the Acropolis. More non-magicals, witches, and wizards arrived, and once they proved their trustworthiness, they were turned into Lycans. Their number was well over one million now, and their population was stable. Once turned into Lycans, the deathrate dropped to almost zero, with only the occasional rare accident.
Which wasn't to say their society didn't have problems. The largest one had to do with the Lycan's diet, or rather their inevitable diet. Ever since their transformation, most had developed quite the liking for meat at every meal.
Which just wasn't viable on a large scale in the Acropolis, even with the massive amount of space still available. Alexander was loath to pollute the Acropolis with industrial scale ranching, as even with magic the trade off was far too little. Plants were less complex than animals, allowing for accelerated growth without compromising nutrition. Even with fishing, the best projection Alexander and the farmers could create was enough meat for every Lycan just two days a week.
In the time-honored tradition of passing the responsibility on to someone else, Alexander revealed the problem to the Lycan population and let them decide what to do. A few weeks of debating, bribing, and violent fighting later, the Lycans reached a decision: Rather than try to spread it out over the week, they would feast on the meat at the weekend, as a form of celebration.
It started off simple enough, cooked meat, and friendly conversation. But as the weeks dragged by, the Lycans created their own games and activities, changing the weekend into a true festival that everyone took part in. Alexander only encouraged this, as he felt that it would help bind their society even closer together.
This festival coincided nicely with the dominance challenges that the Lycans participated in weekly. But it slowly evolved, as Lycans challenged one another in other fields, such as magic or technology. It wasn't uncommon to find Lycans competing to make the most intricate conjuration, or commanding armies of golems to attack one another.
And the Lycans were excited for it, every single week. There was always something to do, something to watch, something new to eat. And part of it had to due with how Alexander created the Lycans in the first place.
Wolves and humans are both social creatures, relying on family units to maintain safety and happiness. Those tendencies were heightened in werewolves, causing those bitten to quickly change in mentality, from a human mindset to a werewolf one. And at their core, Lycans were evolved werewolves.
The next factor that came into play was the Riddle Coins. They had sought those who wouldn't be missed or had poor family lives. When placed somewhere where they could bond, form connections, become a part of the whole, they gave themselves over fully. Combined with the Lycan transformation, Alexander's people practically changed overnight, becoming incredibly loyal as they bonded.
However, this led to another issue that the Acropolis faced. The many creatures who contributed their powers and abilities to the Lycan serum also left another mark on the society. Namely, the Lycans had an overwhelming need to hunt.
At first, Alexander contemplated releasing rabbits into the Acropolis, so that the Lycans could hunt something alive. Unfortunately, even with their breeding rates, there just wouldn't be enough rabbits to satisfy the Lycan's needs. So Alexander turned the problem over to his think tank.
Three hours later they had given him a polished Bludger which fit comfortably in his larger hand. The enchantments had been stripped and replaced with the ones that were normally cast on the Golden Snitch, making it flee from everyone instead of chasing them. Alexander had been unimpressed until they released it in the Acropolis.
A hundred Lycans immediately began chasing the shiny Bludger, and it led them on a merry chase all over the Acropolis. The think tank told Alexander they could make the chase more difficult by adding on other enchantments, but this was mainly just a proof of concept. Everyone liked shiny things, after all. Alexander agreed, and ordered the creation of a hundred more, each with differing enchantments on them. It soon became a game to catch them all.
It was not a moment too soon as Alexander began to bring animals on board the Acropolis. He made it known that none of them were to ever be hunted and that should anyone be caught doing so they'd be harshly punished. It only took a few more rounds of babysitting for the foolish would-be hunters to back off.
Alexander brought in breeding pairs of every magical creature he could find, dosing them with the Draught of Living Death to keep them in a form of stasis. They would be kept near the bottom of the Acropolis, in the large, empty storage rooms built for this purpose. There they would remain safe until Alexander and the Lycans were ready to let them repopulate the Earth.
Not all of the creatures had to be put into stasis. They left most of the mundane animals alone, as even a lion couldn't kill a Lycan due to their enhancements. Rhinos and hippos were some of the creatures that were put into stasis, as crushing a Lycan was still a viable way of killing them.
But many magical creatures were moderately intelligent, and could be reasoned with. A small herd of Unicorns, carefully brought over from Ireland, made their home in the Acropolis. They seemed to be remarkably calm considering they were surrounded by beings that could easily kill them, but Alexander wagered they knew they were in a place of safety.
A trio of Sphinx also were acquired, although the creatures were not happy about it. They often parked themselves on bridges or in tunnels, challenging wandering Lycans to a game of riddles, and attacking violently if the Lycan disappointed them. Every few days Alexander had to pull a Lycan off of them, as none of the Lycans were pleased by being attacked by 'talking cats'.
But occasionally something weird happened that even made Alexander pause. Like seeing a boat crewed by Centaurs sailing toward the Acropolis which should have been impossible considering the wards he erected that should have stopped all boats from coming here.
"I didn't know Centaurs traveled by sea," Alexander said. He was standing on a stony beach and a trio of Centaurs stood before him. No Lycans stood with Alexander on the beach, but he could feel their eyes from the surrounding cliffs, where they watched and listened.
"We do when the stars tell us to," the largest and apparent leader said. "We search for the Mountain Builder."
"And why would the stars tell you to travel to me?" Alexander asked, his voice tight. Divination eluded his attempts to understand it, which was quite vexing to the curious Lycan.
The trio of Centaurs shuffled slightly, trying to find stable footing on the stony ground. Alexander rolled his eyes and waved his hand, transfiguring the loose stone into grass and dirt. The three Centaurs immediately relaxed.
"My thanks, Builder. My name is Magorian and I lead the Centaur herd in what you humans call the Forbidden Forest, near the school Hogwarts," the leader said. Alexander slowly nodded.
"My name is Alexander. You're a long way from home, Magorian."
Magorian nodded. "The stars tell us of a wave of fire and death coming to the world, burning all to ash save for one spot, a mountain that shines like a star. They told us the tale of the beast-man who built this mountain, stone by stone, in a faraway sea."
"And then?" Alexander prompted as the Centaur struggled to speak.
The Centaur sighed. "They told us that the only way for our people to survive would be for us to travel by boat to this land and to speak to the Builder of Mountains. And so we have."
Alexander considered the proud creature before him and felt a slight amount of pity for it. It was not happy to be forced to rely on someone else, to need someone to save his people. Alexander wondered if he could do what Magorian was doing now, swallowing his pride to ask for protection. Despite knowing the answer was no, he couldn't help but feel a genuine amount of respect for the Centaur.
"So you want me to save your people. I must ask, what would you do if I said no?" Alexander finally asked.
One of the Centaurs that accompanied Magorian snorted angrily. "I told you this was a waste of time! This beast will never aid us!"
Magorian barely sighed before kicking his hind legs back violently. They slammed into the outspoken Centaur's chest, sending him to the ground. Magorian stood over the fallen Centaur, rearing himself backward, before landing heavily on the foolish Centaur's neck, killing him instantly. Magorian turned back to Alexander, who had not moved an inch.
"Bane was never the smartest foal, but at last his life has a purpose. I offer my apologies for his words in the hopes they have not soured our purpose here today," Magorian said. The second Centaur stared ahead calmly, as if she just hadn't watched her herd leader kill one of their own.
"I accept your apology, and I have heard your message. But I still am waiting on your answer," Alexander answered firmly.
"If you denied our request I would return to our herd and inform them of your choice. Without your protection we will perish in a terrible fire, if we do not first take our own lives. Some will use their knives. Others will throw themselves in rivers. A few will simply stop eating and waste away. But without you, my herd dies," Magorian said, his voice heavy with emotion.
As cold as the question was, it was quite informative to Alexander about the Centaur's ability to divine information about the future. There was no biological trace of that ability, he had already ensured that through stolen blood, which meant he would need a Centaur to teach him their methods. Which really made Alexander's decision easy.
"I would be willing to shelter your herd," Alexander said, causing Magorian to breathe a sigh of relief, "but I must ask what your people can give mine."
Magorian sighed. "I have two gifts for your people, and neither will be what you truly desire. We know of your desire to learn, to grow, and the powers of my people are well known. But we see nothing in the stars that tell us of your success in achieving our powers."
Alexander frowned. That didn't mean he wouldn't try. "Your gifts?"
Magorian gestured with his hand to the centaur with him. "My daughter Nera has agreed to teach you what she can of our arts. While I return to our forest, she will remain here as your teacher. I only ask that you protect her, as she is very dear to me."
Alexander barely gave Nera a once over as she moved to stand beside him, before turning his attention back to Magorian. "Your second gift?"
The Centaur was silent as he wrestled with his thoughts. "The first Centaurs shared the First Vision. Although the sight of it has long faded from our eyes, we have passed it down from mother to daughter, father to son, herd to herd for generations. It is the one story all Centaurs know, and one never shared with outsiders until now."
Magorian's eyes grew distant and magic tingled in the air. Alexander focused intently, studying the Centaur before him closely, trying to understand what was happening. When Magorian opened his mouth and spoke, it echoed, ringing with magic.
"A boy will be born to mortals devoid of magic, a spark in the kindling of the world. He will grow, through life, pain, and strife, to become a man, forged through a war with wizards. But his hunger will be awoken, causing him to strive for even greater heights, taking the strengths and spirits of others for himself."
"This man will spill the blood of uncountable nations, forging a star he will hold close. He will become a beast, the ultimate predator of all that might live, unconquerable. He will reach into the stars, and the stars will fade to black, and that is when the Centaurs will finally die."
Magorian's eyes focused upon Alexander. "All Centaurs know this tale although there have been many different interpretations over the years. I know not what the future holds for my race, but I do know I must be here right now to allow them to live."
Silence fell over the beach, and even the Lycans watching from the cliffs were silent as they digested Magorian's words. Alexander finally spoke.
"You have given me two exceptional gifts, Magorian. But they are just gifts. If you want me to allow your herd entry into my Acropolis, you must agree to aid my pack, to use your powers to our benefit. If we are to protect your herd, you must help warn my pack," Alexander said.
Defeat and anger warred on Magorian's face, as though he had hoped Alexander would not have asked for that. But Alexander wasn't going to take in every wandering being, accepting them in for a story. Alexander wanted the Centaur's ability to protect his pack, and he would get it, one way or another.
Fortunately, Magorian did not make it difficult. "I agree," he said, his shoulders slumping.
As Alexander and Magorian discussed the needs of the Centaurs, their number, and when to bring them to the Acropolis, Alexander turned his mind toward the future. False tale or not, it resonated with him. His eyes flicked up to the sky above, taking in the endless expanse of space in an instant, before turning back to Magorian.
One day, Alexander would walk through the stars.
Magic Break Can't Be Seen
AN: How you guys liking the story?
Next story: Don't hold your breathe. I might write the occasional one shot, or release a chapter sharing my thoughts of what might happen in such and such universe, but it won't be my main focus. If I write another full length story using Alexander, I'll most likely be making it an original work since at this point Harry Potter canon means nothing.
Harry: Nothing good ever happens to him on Halloween. I bet he didn't think his luck was so bad it would literally create the end of humanity though.
Ron and Hermione: I've been looking forward to using them the whole story, yet when the moment finally arrived, I found myself not writing the confrontation I always planned (With Alexander being present). Had to have his wife Daphne do it because he's a little busy fighting Flamel.
Helga's Bargain: The Founders agreed to teach Alexander and Daphne the methods and magic they used to build Hogwarts. In exchange, they had to allow those who called Hogwarts home entry into the Acropolis in the event of the disaster. Helga wanted Alexander to welcome everyone in, but he refused as the Acropolis could only hold so many, plus he would never lift a finger to save the adults who defined his years at Hogwarts. The Founders made a critical mistake however, in that they didn't ask Alexander to not cause the disaster himself.
The Forsaken Four: A cruel title, but accurate. Alexander has never forgiven McGonagall, Flitwick, Vector, or Pomfrey for their actions/inaction during his years at Hogwarts. He never truly got his revenge on them for how they treated him decades ago, and leaving them to die in nuclear hellfire is a fitting enough death for Alexander to accept. As much as Alexander would like to be there to witness their demise, he's got his hands full with Flamel at the moment.
Mopsy/Morgana: House-elves were originally demons! Ta-da! Literally, they're from hell. Morgana is a Hell Queen, the first one in thousands of years, as the rest died during the last ice age. Dementors are the offspring of humans and demons (Which is why Alexander could use Dementor ichor in the Lycan Serum). And yes, she has an obsession with Alexander, much like how Dobby had an obsession with Harry Potter. Demons are weird.
Animals: Yeah, I know. I made the Acropolis have Noah's Ark vibes. It's only logical though, especially since Alexander knows he's going to set off the nuclear apocalypse. Magical and Muggle animals are both being preserved, and some of them are allowed to roam free as Lycans are much more durable than the average biological being. Only the truly heavy/massive creatures are a cause for concern, as a rhino stabbing a Lycan in the chest could theoretically kill them. (unlikely though, considering the Lycan is more than agile enough to doge)
Shiny Bludgers: Lycans go through growth spurts, a Snitch would be too small for them to easily hold (it'd be like you trying to catch a tictac). Bludgers are big and sturdy enough that they can be bat around without any issue, and people like shiny things. I figured the 101 bludgers would act as another test of skill for the Lycans, as well as being the closest the Lycans will ever be to the Pokemon universe. (Sorry guys, but Alexander would horrifically butcher pokemon in an attempt to study their power, so he could use it for himself. I am NOT writing that.)
Centuars: Divination is a magical technique, and you usually have to be born with the skill in order to make use of it. Although, I expect that after a few thousand years of living Alexander might be able to figure it out. If it wasn't clear why Alexander was willing to protect and house the centaur herd: He wants their abilities for his pack. If he can't add the abilities naturally, then he'll tie the centaur race to his as closely as possible. The Centaurs have seen this happy and are angry, but they have no choice. if they want their people to survive, they have to allow it.
Now that we're nearly at the end, I can confirm a review from a few weeks ago. NO ONE is good in this story. The wizards are arrogant and dismissive toward "lesser" beings, and abuse them with their magic. The Muggles pollute and consume the planet, spreading uncontrolled and with no regard to the environment. The Lycans are paranoid and ruthless, their proposed solution toward keeping themselves protected is to kill the billions of sentient beings that share the planet with them. There is no "X is better than Y".
I hope this chapter goes a long way in explaining why the Lycans think like this. Alexander targeted the intelligent and isolated members of both societies, so their connection to their former nations, cultures, and people is already much lower than the norm. Given a society where they're accepted, given access to magic and abilities far beyond the rest of humanity, and I hope you can see why their egos and opinions change. They are so different from humanity, because they are now Lycans. Those are no longer fellow humans, but competition, and Lycans are combative by nature.
I hope you're all enjoying the story! The NEXT UPDATE will be TOMORROW! Because, well, the next few chapters are going to be much shorter.