August the 19th. Albion's Hearth
The chambers of the Council were the usual meeting place for the representatives of the governing body of Le Fay's lands. Decorated in rich materials and colors of authority, along with the symbols of the various magical races that could be found in here, along with the large table and chairs. The place had been arranged right after Henry Le Fay had received first oaths of loyalty and fealty, as he was prepared to begin governing his realm like he was supposed to. There were already reforms and needed changes put in place, such as equality for all races, establishment of rights and laws, along with update of already existing ones. All done in a relatively short order, and already it had yielded good results for House Le Fay and its subjects.
However, today the chambers weren't used by the councilors and representatives of various races, at least not all of them. The council hadn't reconvened ever since the death of Nymphadora Tonks and recovery of her body and of Prince Le Fay. The reason why there was no meeting held since was the fact that Henry Le Fay, due to the extensive physical and far more severe psychological damage, had been put into a medically induced coma by Cassiopeia, who tended to his burns.
In his absence, Rose had officially assumed the position of acting Princess Le Fay and a regent in Henry's absence. This decision wasn't met gracefully by most of the leaders of magical races, but was accepted, after Neriada, now Queen of Dryads, had openly expressed her support of Rose. The leaders of the races were aware of the situation with Henry, and had made sure to keep their mouths shut on this topic, lest their enemies found out that House Le Fay was currently weakened.
As for the Ministry and the general public of the Magical Britain, Rose had managed to covertly, with the help of Carissa and High Elven infiltrators, plant rumors that Prince Le Fay was currently out of country, possibly pursuing a love interest. That was enough to quell questions from most of the Magical Britain, but not from all, especially the Wizarding Families that have already pledged their loyalty to Henry. Lord Greengrass in particular was concerned with the disappearance of Prince Le Fay, as he had expressed to Rose that without Henry, House Le Fay may lose a golden opportunity to gain more supporters from Neutral, Light and Dark families. Rose, with the help of Tracey, had managed to placate him, at least for the time being.
While House Greengrass was easy to deal with, House Jones was not as easily placated, as its Lord had managed to catch wind of the fact that Hestia Jones, younger sister to current Lord Jones, died thanks to Henry. It didn't take a genius to understand that it was work of Dumbledore, and that he had wanted to capitalize on the disappearance of Prince Le Fay while he could. Well, too bad for him, as Rose had acted quickly and put Lord Jones in his place, subtly reminding him that House Jones had managed to increase their wealth and power due to support of House Le Fay.
Along with that, she had also made it clear as day that Hestia Jones effectively betrayed House Le Fay, as she was a member of a vassal House to Le Fay family, and had paid the price for her betrayal. And when Lord Jones had demanded compensation for the death of his sister, Rose's patience waned down, and stated to him in a direct language, that he should be grateful, that Henry had stopped on just Hestia, instead of punishing the whole House for the betrayal, something that was well within his rights to do. That served the purpose and calmed Lord Jones, and had served as a reminder that House Le Fay isn't one to forgive treachery of any sort.
Rose rubbed the temples on her head with her fingers, reviewing everything that had happened over the past 6 days and coming to the conclusion that House Le Fay had clearly suffered a significant blow, not to mention that she, along with Henry and all of House of Black, had lost their closest family member. Nymphadora was buried just two days ago, laid to rest in the House Black's family mausoleum, an honor that was granted to her by Arcturus and an acknowledgement of Nymphadora Druella Tonks as a full-fledged Black Witch. She was the first Black family member to be allowed in there since the death of Marius Black, as Arcturus forbade burying even his son Orion, Cygnus, Walburga, and definitely Sirius, of whom nothing had remained at this point.
The death of Nymphadora had been a crushing blow to them all, with Andromeda and Ted being devastated the most. In the span of just a few days, Andromeda had seemingly lost all of her youthful appearance and aged to the point that she looked older than Cassiopeia. Her eyes were still red, even though there were no more tears to be shed. Ted had kept up the strong appearance, but it was clear that the loss of his daughter was just as, if not more, heart-breaking and devastating as it was to his wife. The only thing that had kept him away from a bottle or finding trouble and revenge with the Order was Andromeda. The death of her daughter had practically killed her soul, and she had lost the will to go on, and all that had sustained her was the care of her husband, Bellatrix, Faye and even Cornelia, who found out the day after Nym's death.
House of Black had taken the loss of Nym as one would expect, with all its members mourning her death in one way or another. Regulus and Cassiopeia simply ignored speaking on the subject when they could, and went on with their works, while Bellatrix, Faye and Cornelia did their best to help Andromeda. Internally, Rose was afraid that House Black would distance from them after what had happened, but instead, it served only to strengthen their bond. If Arcturus Black was simply angry and held a grudge against the Order, Dumbledore and Potters, he was now enraged and infuriated at them.
He had even gone as far as to send Dumbledore and Potters a Blood Letter, an ancient Black traditional letter, written in a blood of Head of the House. When one such letter is sent, it is always about one thing: Lord Black swears upon his blood that he will see them dead. The last time such letter was sent in 16th century to House Lancaster, a magical branch of English Royal House. A decade later and House Lancaster seized its existence in full, so it was needless to state that House Black was now on a warpath, as was House Le Fay.
And as for House Le Fay's situation regarding Rias, Rose had left her largely to her own devices, though she had ordered Carissa and Irene to keep a watch at her. She may've acknowledged Harry as Lord Le Fay, but that didn't mean that she wasn't after his position and wouldn't do something to obtain it. Irene had assured Rose and others that Rias would keep to her word, even if she would show distaste at that, but Rose wasn't satisfied with just word, so she was cautious. So far there was no indication that Rias was acting out to gain power, but Rose wasn't going to let her guard down around her just yet. Her brother and her had already paid for being arrogant and complacent with their enemies.
As she sat, she looked around herself, to see that she was hardly alone. Regulus, Cassiopeia and Bellatrix were near her, speaking between themselves, while Carissa stood near Neriada, Tracey and Skadhi. At the same time Rias was seated just in front of Rose, with a seemingly bored look, while Irene stood nearby. They've held their own, private so to speak, council. Tracey spoke up.
"Daphne told me that a number of Lords are getting a bit restless and even agitated at the sudden disappearance of Harry. No word on whatever they may be planning, but… It is possible that the death of Hestia Jones and how Lord Jones was 'placated' had reached their ears." Tracey spoke up, with Rose groaning a little. "It is a bit early to draw any solid conclusions, but it is possible that a number of Neutral House may refuse siding with House Le Fay, fearing for their own safety, and considering that Harry isn't capable of explaining to them his reasons…"
"And had they not considered the possibility of that Jones woman betraying House Le Fay, hm?" Rias asked of Tracey. "Well, if they haven't, then perhaps it would be best to let them know the reason why she is dead and Lord Jones was put on a leash. If anything, this will tell that House Le Fay isn't one to forgive betrayals, as it had always been the case before."
"Yes, quite true, but you may want to consider the fact that we have not one, but two enemies that would like nothing more than to crush us and leave us without support." Cassiopeia remarked. "Fear may've been a useful tool in the past, and it has its uses now, but what House Le Fay need are loyal and strong allies, not frightened and weak ones. Harry understands that scaring them will drive them away from us and into the arms of either Dumbledore or Voldemort. No, this needs to be handled with more grace and diplomacy."
"I am sorry, but for what reason do we even require them? House Le Fay has the full loyalty to all magical races, and their combined forces are more than sufficient enough to destroy our enemies." Rias spoke up again. "Overthrow this feeble Ministry, install a puppet government and we have the full control of the country. After that, we can do away with the enemies in short notice."
"Henry Le Fay and Rose Le Fay have our loyalty and command our respect, not you." Neriada reminded with a glare to Rias. "Like it or not Rias, but I and my people, as well as all other magical races, had sworn our allegiances to Henry and Rose as they had managed to gain not through force, like you have a tendency to do, but through more diplomacy and reforms. The times have changed."
"Not so much as to forget where your true loyalties must lay, Neriada." Rias disagreed. "Your mother had sworn an oath of absolute loyalty to defend and uphold the word of House Le Fay, yet you've seem to have forgotten, even though you are the symbol of that oath, being of blood of House Le Fay." Rias smirked a little, as everyone turned their eyes towards Neriada.
"And now my people and I follow Harry, Rias, for now his blood is part of my people." Neriada stated with strength, as she put a hand on her stomach, indicating for everyone what she meant by those words.
"Wait… You are pregnant with Henry's… But…" Regulus, much like most of the others, was in shock, before Neriada spoke up.
"This was the part of our agreement, the vital point to formation of my people's loyalty and allegiance to it. His blood, our child, is now a symbol of the renewed union of House Le Fay and Dryads, as was I first the symbol of the original union. You need not worry, for the daughter will be a Dryad and will not have any claim to House Le Fay's name and throne, and I do not hold any intention of stealing Harry away from his beloveds. He and I have resolved that issue before we lay together." Neriada spoke up to them, explaining the situation. "I will however, fight and kill to protect him and his position, even against someone who is my direct blood relation."
"She is truthful." Tracey said, recalling her reading of Harry's mind. "Harry and she had made love, but only to solidify the union, not for any other purposes. Nym knew about it, as do I. All she feels towards Harry is fierce loyalty, friendship and infinite gratitude, both for avenging her mother and sisters, and for giving Neriada her first child. Other than that, she isn't interested in him like I am."
"Neriada, you seem to misunderstand. I have acknowledged Harry as Prince Le Fay, and I am not someone to strike at my own family." Rias spoke appealingly. "I'm simply offering my own observations on the matter. As we all have established it before, Harry had made some critical errors in his judgment of the situation and it has resulted in loss of his beloved. And it is my personal opinion that it would be now best to act with more determination and willingness, rather than sit by and do nothing and scheme. I realize that he is also Lord Slytherin, but still…"
"We will not act as you propose." Rose finally spoke up, getting the full attention of Rias and everyone else. "The situation with Lord Jones was to be expected, and since he was a minor Lord and had the gall to dictate us how to act, I put him in his place, since he is out vassal. However, if we act like this with everyone, we will find ourselves surrounded from all sides by enemies and those that are afraid of us and would prefer us being gone. The same thing had occurred with House Le Fay in the past and what became of it? Right, it was virtually annihilated and left as a memory, while you were placed into a stasis. If we do as you advise, Rias, we will end up the same, with the magical races cutting their losses and abandoning us when the fortune turns away from us. So, instead of playing a tyrannical enforcer, we need to establish contact with those House, show them the benefits of being allies with House Le Fay, convince them of coming to our side and then gaining their loyalty. That way, we'll be able to strengthen our position and weaken the position of our other enemies. For a supposed Heiress of House Le Fay, one would think that you would know about the benefits of diplomacy."
"Forgive me, but I had spent quite a long time in a metaphorical Limbo, and it has left me with a bit of lack of patience." Rias replied, but with no ill in her words.
"Then do regain it, dear, because what Rose had stated is true for House Le Fay and she speaks like a true Princess of House Le Fay must." Irene smiled to her and nodded in respect. "Along with that, she has managed to prevent most of the damage being done to the House, even though its current ruler is incapacitated. It is a trait of a successful ruler, to be able to swiftly and effectively deal with trouble."
"Speaking of our Ruler, what are the news of Harry? How soon will he be up and about?" Skadhi asked of Cassiopeia, who sighed and spoke up.
"It's… difficult to say with certainty." Cassiopeia spoke in a bit of a defeated voice. "I was able to heal his burns by removing and healing the damaged skin and tissue, along with the eye, and used the Stone to fasten the regenerative process of tissue, but the eye was a completely different matter. I had restored it to him, but I had to use the same material that was used in recreating Rose's arm, Irene's blood."
"You used demonic blood for that? But, wouldn't that make both Rose and now Harry…" Bellatrix asked of Cassiopeia.
"Partial Devils, yes. Not quite on the same level in power as my Rias here, but still quite formidable." Irene spoke up. "I had approved of this decision, and had assisted in converting my blood into one that would be best suited to both Rose and Harry. From a medical point of view, we share no blood relations, and the demonic blood that flows through them is their own now. It has already proven to be quite empowering, as we had witnessed with Rose."
"That explains how you've managed to take me down in one shot." Rias remarked. "Morgana's spirit may've empowered you, but without the blood of a Devil, you'd have not been able to focus up so much power. My opinion of you just keeps improving the more I get to know you."
"Glad to hear that, but concerning Harry... The physical damage is one thing, but the damage done to his soul is another thing entirely." Rose spoke up. "Nym… She was like a sister to both of us, and Harry loved her, truly. He had always lived not his own life, but the lives of others, so to speak. His own life means too little to care for, in his own mind, but the lives of those that he sees as his family… She was probably his second most important person in the world, and the way she died… We can only hope that he will come back to us soon and that when he does, he will be able to cope with what had happened."
"The enemies of House Le Fay will no doubt use this opportunity to strike against you, milady." Carissa spoke up. "They have already demonstrated their willingness to strike against your allies by killing them. While Prince may be incapacitated, that doesn't mean that we can't strike back against them. Give me the command, and I will have a dozen best assassins assembled within these walls, waiting for your targets."
"Best you maintain the vigilant watch over our holdings, Carissa, and shore up our defenses here at castle." Rose spoke up. "But, speaking of the enemies, have you been able to find out where the last Horcruxes of Voldemort are?" She turned to Regulus and Cassiopeia.
"The ritual was completed days ago, and it was successful in locating those Horcruxes." Regulus spoke up. "As we had hoped, Voldemort now only has two left and we know of their locations. The first one has been on the move several times over the past 5 days, moving from one Death Eaters' mansion to another. And thanks to the ritual, we know that it is his pet snake, whatever its name is. Voldemort keeps her very close to himself at all times, and only lets it stray from him when it is something really important for him. Getting close to it will be difficult."
"And what about the second one?" Bellatrix asked of him, with Regulus letting out a groan.
"That one is even harder to get than the snake." Regulus stated in a slightly defeated voice. "It's Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem, one of the main artifacts of the Founders of Hogwarts, and Voldemort somehow had managed to hide it away right under Dumbledore's nose. One place that no one would even think to look for it…"
"Wait, you mean the Diadem of Ravenclaw?" Rias spoke up, with Regulus nodding to her. "That Diadem belonged to House Le Fay after the death of last Lady of Ravenclaw, as it was passed down to our House, its closest relatives, seeing as Morgana's grandmother was a Ravenclaw and an aunt of Rowena. It belongs to House Le Fay and me and even was on me on the day of my capture. How in Seven Hells did that noseless upstart bastard get his hands on it?"
"The most logical explanation would be that you were looted of it and then Diadem changed hands and owners before ending up in hands of Riddle." Cassiopeia explained to Rias, who huffed at the fact that he favorite piece of jewelry was stolen from her. "That aside, it is bad news that the Diadem is in Hogwarts, and that we don't even know where exactly it could be. There are hundreds of possible places where to store it, with dozens of secret passages, chambers and so on, not to mention that Hogwarts itself may not even allow anyone who looks for the Diadem to find it. But even that isn't the worst part about it all."
"With Dumbledore aware that Harry is alive and is Prince Le Fay and Lord Slytherin, he'll undoubtedly take precautions as to not allow him to slip into the castle and it's grounds unnoticed. Hogwarts may have ancient rules and all that, but that doesn't meant that Dumbledore can't install his own wards and warning charms of all sorts." Regulus stated to them all. "Along with that, you can be sure that he will be keeping a very close eye on me, my children, and Rose once we get into Hogwarts in September. We would be able to look for the Diadem then, but with him breathing down our necks…"
"I won't be going to Hogwarts anymore." Rose suddenly stated to them all. "Once Harry wakes up, I will have him arrange me examinations. After what had happened with Nym… I won't be giving the Order another weapon against my House and Harry. The law doesn't prohibit early graduation, and if Dumbledore tries to stop my emancipation, the ICW Educational Board will acknowledge me as an emancipated minor. And I have no desire to sit through basically useless subjects that I have covered with Cassiopeia already."
"A wise move, milady." Irene approved. "However, that does still leave us with a certain problem of finding the Diadem, and I, unfortunately, am incapable to of even setting foot on the grounds of Hogwarts. I was fortunate that Forbidden Forest's own magic obstructed the wards and allowed me to collect those dead Acromantulas, but beyond it, I'll simply not be able to pass, and I have tried several times already. Truly a masterful work of Merlin, a single thing that I find admirable of that sniveling old parasite."
"We need to first find out the location of the Diadem, then plan out how to get it." Rose stated, before turning to Irene. "Irene, are there any books in the library that cover history of construction of Hogwarts, along with its legends, myths and confirmed facts?"
"There are plenty of such books, from Hogwarts, A History to A Thousand and One Secrets of Hogwarts." Irene stated to Rose. "You wish for me to check them out and possibly narrow down the search?"
"Yes." Rose nodded to her.
"I think I'll help you out with this one." Rias suggested, meeting a questioning look from Rose. "Well don't look so surprised. That Diadem was a gift from my father and I am most fond of it. The thought of it being used as a vessel for someone's soul and corrupted like that is repulsive and enough of a reason to hate your so-called Dark Lord. Speaking of whom, weren't you once his top lieutenant or something? Anything we could use against him and his cohorts? Maybe find ourselves a couple of allies among his members?"
"Most of the Death Eaters are drawn to Voldemort either out of fear, greed, or admiration of his power, but there is one thing that is clear with all of them- he can kill them all, and will if they fail him in a major way." Bellatrix stated to them all. "They all know it, and it isn't unheard that there would be plots to end Voldemort once he achieves his goal, but so far, they all are too afraid of making a move, and nor will they go beyond wishful thinking, especially considering that he is very powerful user of Leggimence. But… There are, however, those that would be interested in changing sides, if given what they want. The first person who might like to defect from Voldemort that I can think of is Evan Rosier."
"Lord of House Rosier? He may not be in the most inner circle of Voldemort, but he is no traitor anything. Why would he want to switch sides?" Regulus asked of Bellatrix.
"Because more than have purebloods' traditions preserved, he would want to see murderers of his sister and her children brought to justice and killed, and three of those responsible ones already died at Harry's hand." Bellatrix spoke up again. "Isabella Rosier was a wife of Michael Potter, and her death had been quite carefully organized by James Potter and his friends, not to mention Snape. Death of Gabriel is also on that bastard's hands… along with the deaths of Charlus and Dorea."
"Son of a… I knew he was rotten, but this… If either Arcturus or Harry find out…" Regulus shook his head.
"They'll have to get in line." Cassiopeia growled out. "That arrogant, self-absorbed, greedy, venomous prick… Dorea had loved him the most of her children, did everything that he had a good childhood, and he did this to her! I'll personally carve out his heart and make him eat it!"
"You may be lucky today, Cassiopeia." Irene suddenly spoke up, as she looked towards the direction of the throne room. "I've just sensed three persons materialize inside the Throne Room, with a phoenix sitting on one of them. They James and Lily Potters, with Dumbledore accompanying them. They've used the flaming bird to get in here past our barriers."
"Are those three mad, or do they really think that they come in here just like that, unannounced and leave without a punishment?" Rias asked in a slightly amused way. "The gall of those three… What will be your decision, Lady Le Fay?" She asked of Rose, who rose up from her chair.
"Let's go and see what those three want. Either way, if they dare set foot here after what they had done, they deserve at least to be heard, and then vaporized with extreme cruelty afterwards." Rose gave Irene the look, with the Devil nodding to her. "Now, let's go and greet them."
The next moment.
The crack of teleportation sound throughout the hall and the entire group appeared right in front of Dumbledore, on whose shoulder sat his pet phoenix Fawkes, while at his sides stood James and Lily Potter, looking rather pleased and proud with themselves. The loss of their Mansion and their friends seemingly never happened to them, or they've simply didn't let it show in the open. Whatever it was, the sight of them looking so pleased with themselves was enough to infuriate most of them, especially Rose, who struggled to keep her cool at this point.
As for Dumbledore himself, he looked as if nothing had ever happened, sporting his usual grandfatherly look. For some reason, there was no sense of comfort when Rose or other has looked at him, but a feeling of anger and desire to hurl. Whatever the reason they may've had to come here, Rose and her family here planned to find out and deal with them. She was the first one to speak up.
"You three are madly gall or simply mad, if you think that you can just come here in the open after what you have done." Rose spoke to them with cold hostility present in her tone. "I suggest you use that bird of yours now, before I decide to get rid of you three."
"Now, is that any way to be treating your parents and family, Rose?" Lily asked of her in an overly sweet voice. "Don't you want to at least say hello to your mother, father and your favorite teacher? No? Then maybe Harry will be more interested in meeting us."
"Speaking of whom, where is that good for nothing escapee?" James asked without care, with Regulus restraining Rose from coming to him and literally plunging her wand into his throat. "I've got to admit that he had us all fooled with that little act. Who knew that the bastard had any spine left in him, especially after Azkaban? Well, no matter, I'm sure he either lost all, or will lose it soon enough in Azkaban again."
"Irene, will you be able to kill phoenix before he flames away with everyone?" Rose suddenly asked of Irene.
"I am afraid I won't be able to, milady. But I do believe that I will be able to kill at least one of them in time before they escape." Irene stated to her.
"Then start with the kinslayer here." Rose gave the command, with James widening his eyes in shock.
"Please, Rose, my dear, there is no need for such hostilities and violence." Dumbledore spoke up in his usual manner. "I can see how you may be on the defensive after the incident that had occurred earlier, but I assure you, that we have come here with peaceful intentions."
"Incident?! You've had ordered the death of Kingsley Shacklebolt, a member of Sacred 28, and your little pet Death Eater had tortured and made a member of my House into a living bomb, and you have the gall to call it an incident?!" Cassiopeia shouted in an enraged voice. "You spill the noble blood of Wizarding Britain and that of Black, and dare come here, claiming it as an incident?! And you even bring here the man responsible for deaths of my sister and her sons and grandchildren?! Phoenix or not, Dumbledore, I will have your heads!"
"I have not ordered anyone's deaths, Lady Cassiopeia. I merely wanted to have Kingsley and Nymphadora taken care of in a peaceful manner, nothing more." Dumbledore spoke unwavering.
"Then why let Marauders and Snape do the entire job, Dumbledore? You know better than anyone, that out of all your pets, those are your most vicious and violent, not to mention utter failures in grace and peaceful manner of work." Regulus crossed his arms on his chest. "Sirius alone was a closet sadist, something that he had inherited from our mother. Only someone as sick as her could come up with such a way of killing, through a Floo Teleportation. To have one's molecules disintegrated and destroyed in the process, to feel it all… Truly a death worth of so-called Black Family."
"You want to put blame on someone? Then why not look at yourselves for a change, Regulus?" James spoke up again. "Had you with Harry not schemed with Bones and sent those two to spy on us, they would be alive and kicking, instead of one literally nothing, and the other…"
"Say another word about my niece, you mongrel, and I'll make you regret the day you were born." Bellatrix threatened to him. "Don't even think about denying anything, Potter. I may've been under the ritual's control, but I remember everything and every single detail about what had transpired while I was with Death Eaters. That includes you and your Marauders scheming to kill your parents and Gabriel, along with Michael's wife and children."
"You can't prove anything, you Voldemort's whore." Lily spoke up in defense of her husband. "Who would believe an utterly crazy and insane witch, who probably got off of having her Dark Lord practicing Crucio on her?"
"That is quite enough all of you. We are not here to antagonize each other like this." Dumbledore spoke up again, before turning to Rose. "Rose, my dear, I can't help but wonder if you are alright, being in a company such as this. The fact that you are in company of two notorious Death Eaters, along with a Devil and a half Devil… Perhaps it will be best you come with me, in well protected Hogwarts?"
"The day I set foot in Hogwarts will be the day I decide to witness your death, Dumbledore." Rose coldly replied to him. "Now, what the hell do you want? You wouldn't come here just to gloat, nor would you not come here without making sure that if something had happened with you, people would know that you were here before you disappeared. So, what's the deal?"
"Hm, looks like someone had finally gotten a little smarter." James chuckled. "Fine, we are here to make you an offer that you can refuse, so to speak. And before you ask, if you do refuse, you all lot will be shipped off to Azkaban before you can even spell out Stupefy."
"As you may have already noticed, the Magical World is still unaware of the fact that Harry, our son, still lives and that he has assumed the false identity of Prince Le Fay, using some foul means to obtain the title and lands." Lily spoke up.
"Actually, in his case, there was nothing foul or false. He's been appointed to this position by Morgana Le Fay herself, my great grandmother, and that is something even I can't argue with." Rias spoke up in an overly sweet voice. "Like it or not, my dear disgruntled disinherited whore, but the person you loath and hate had managed to do what you will never be able to."
"Regardless, the fact of Prince Le Fay being Harry Potter, a presumed dead convicted criminal and a Dark Lord in the making, remains the same, and we have the solid proof of that." James spoke up with a smirk. "We can have it published in the Daily Prophet at any time we want, and there is nothing you can do about it, safe for one thing."
"I will be honest with you and I wish that you to understand, the last things I had wanted were to have the deaths of dear Nymphadora and Kingsley on my hands. I had hoped that Severus and Sirius wouldn't act on their baser and lower instincts, but alas, I was mistaken and I shall forever carry this shame with me." Dumbledore said with theatrical sadness. "I truly had believed that dear Nym would be willing to share with us what she knew without the need of violence, but… There has been enough blood spilled by all of us and there need not be any more of it. Our conflict serves no purpose, other than further strengthening our common enemy. I am sure that Harry sees it as well, and understands that a war between us will only weaken the country and leave it vulnerable before Voldemort. And once he begins his attack against us all… I fear that even William will not be able to stop him."
"In face of such adversary and the threat he poses, I believe that it would be in all our interests if we had buried our grievances and forgave each other all the wrongdoings to stand as one against that threat." Dumbledore said in his diplomatic way, with Bellatrix, Neriada, Regulus and Skadhi narrowing their eyes on him. "Even though Harry had made many ill-based decisions and spilled blood of good men, there is still a way to atone for his wrongdoings, the same as with all of you. House Le Fay and Order need not fight each other, when we can fight together. Please, tell Harry that I am prepared to forget everything, should he reconcile with all of us, especially with his parents and brother, and allow Rose to return back to House. There is still an opportunity for him to stand on the right side and do the right thing."
"But, should that idiot refuse this final olive branch of peace, we won't be able to contain the sensitive information we currently have." James smirked to them all. "So, either he finally does what is required of him and stops being such a pain the arse, or he'll be spending the rest of his life in Azkaban, only this time he'll have all of you here as his company. So, will you deliver this message to him?"
"Go ahead, tell everyone about me." Suddenly, from the corridor, came a strong and resolute voice of Henry Le Fay, as he stepped out of the shadows, revealing himself to everyone.
He was dressed in the colors of House Le Fay, with blue coat, white shirt underneath the black vest and black pants. His long silvery hair had been trimmed to short, with his left side of the face covered in bandages, hiding away his scarring. He walked with strength and determination, an air of power thick around his form, magic dancing around him. Everyone who knew him could tell that this was no longer the same Harry they knew before. No, this time, before them now walked a new person, still made of the same foundations as Harry Potter, but lacking something that once was inside of him.
He quickly crossed the distance between the group and uninvited guests, ignoring the gawking looks sent towards him. He took his place between Rias and Rose, before speaking up to Dumbledore.
"You come here, bringing these two amoral pieces of garbage and dirt with you, speaking of forgiveness and alliance, and expect me to kowtow to you at the threat of you revealing who I really am?" Harry chuckled darkly to them all. "I am honestly very disappointed, Professor. For someone of your Slytherin mind not to see something so obvious is truly appalling."
"Harry, my dear boy, you have no idea…" Dumbledore tried to be polite to him and to warm his way into his heart, but was stopped by Harry speaking again.
"Yes that you don't." He said coldly to him, before looking at the smirking James. "What's so funny, James?"
"You, my dear ill-fated bastard of a child, Harry." James laughed at him. "Do you really think that we'll buy this all mighty act now that we know who you really are? Face it, you dimwit, the only thing that stops me from making you pay for Sirius and Remus is Dumbledore giving you a second chance."
"And the only thing that stops me from making you pay for my true parents is that flaming parrot." Harry motioned towards Fawkes. "Don't ask me how I know. I'll just that there is nothing that can be hidden within these walls from me, not anymore. Now, Dumbledore lets drop the act and be plain with each other. Just why do you think that after everything that has happened, I will ever even consider helping you."
"Because, Harry, you simply have no choice in the matter, not anymore." Dumbledore let go of his grandfatherly act and spoke firmly and with strength befitting his standing. "I will admit, that for some time, I had considered you to be worthy of continuing my work, but you leaning towards your Black side had squandered that chance for you and me. I am well aware of the fact that you had helped defeat Voldemort several times in the past, and I am grateful, but I can't allow risk another Dark Lord taking over Britain. You have clearly shown that you care very little for others, so I am making this clear for you: join me and help us all take down Voldemort, or I will finish the work of our ancestors and see House Le Fay reduced to ashes and history once more."
"I dare you to try, you sniveling old…" Rias's magic began to give way, before Harry spoke up.
"Rias, that will be quite enough, thank you." Harry stepped down the stairs and was now on the same level as Dumbledore. "You are correct in you assumption of me hating Voldemort, and I do plan to have him removed. However, if you think, that after what has happened, I will cater in to your demands then you are even more delusional old man than you let everyone see you. You think I am afraid of you letting it be known who I am? Well, let me dispel that little illusion for you: I am not afraid. In fact, I dare to reveal it to the world, but we both know that you won't do it."
"And what makes you think that we won't? You've killed our closest friends, escaped prison, practiced dark magic, and abducted our daughter and…" Lily would've continued, had she not been silenced by Harry's magical power clenching at her throat.
"I was not finished, so be quiet." Harry didn't even spare Lily a glace, letting her go, before removing with magic the bandages.
Quickly, the bandages had been removed from his head, revealing a fully functioning bright blue eye in place of his previous green. The area around it was covered in a barely seen scarred tissue, already fading away, but still seen. Harry pointed a finger at his new eye and spoke to Dumbledore.
"Severus did this to me, but he did not finish the job. Instead, he opened up my eyes to the truth. The truth, that is so dangerous to you, Dumbledore that you'll make certain that no one reveals it." Harry spoke to him. "You haven't come here to bargain, no. You've come to gamble on me being afraid the truth, when in reality truth would make my life a lot easier and your life would get a lot harder."
"What makes you so certain I won't just walk away from here and tell everyone the truth about you?" Dumbledore asked of him, though his tone was no longer as firm as it used to be.
"Because you are a coward, Dumbledore, and you hate when people start asking questions about you. And once the truth is out, it won't be the Wizengamot this time asking the questions, but the ICW's Court, and you won't be able to fool them." Harry simply stated to him. "But, just to be on the safe side. Irene, kill them." Harry suddenly commanded to Irene, with her obeying.
Unfortunately, before her crimson bolts of were able to reach her targets, a flash of phoenix flame teleported them away from here. Harry let out a sigh, before turning back to everyone and walking up the three stairs and speaking up.
"He truly must be either desperate or insane to have come here." Harry said in a low tone, looking at the spot where they stood. "But, I'll give them the credit where it is due: the old I would've bought that gamble of his."
"Harry, are you…" Rose spoke up sympathetically, with Harry turning to her and speaking up with a small smile.
"Don't worry, I am fine now." Harry said to her, as he walked to his throne and sat in it. "Infuriated, enraged and devoid of mercy, but I am fine, and without much time to waste. Carissa, how are the preparations coming along for the ball?" He suddenly asked of her.
"They were postponed in light of your condition." She reported to him. "Milord, I believe I speak for everyone when I ask you, if it was wise not agrees to their deal?"
"Carissa, it would've been foolish of me to have agreed with it, and I would be betraying not only myself, but also betraying the memory of my grandparents, Nymphadora and the interests of House Le Fay." Harry replied, his voice barely betraying the sorrow at the mention of Nym. "Now, I want the preparations to be finished first thing in the morning. Use whatever means necessary, but get it done. I want the vine flow to red and music to play loud, and show everyone just what House Le Fay really looks like. And make sure that guards stand in a parade uniforms, show off their grace, discipline and all in between, make the Wizarding Nobility swoon at their sight if need be. Am I understood?"
"Yes, milord." Carissa bowed a little and went on with her duties.
"Irene, contact Ragnok and arrange a meeting with him in an hour. Make sure that brings all the accounts concerning Houses Peverell, Potter and Fleamont, along with all the legal documentation concerning the Lordships of Potter and Peverell. Inform him that I want him to seize loaning and begin extracting money from Lord and Lady Fleamont. After that, find out everything about the Phoenixes and how to block and disable their teloprtation, and set up all the necessary precautions for the future." Harry commanded to Irene, with her nodding and disappearing.
"Neriada, Skadhi, inform the rest of the Council that there will be an emergency meeting in three hours, concerning the magical races. Tracey, inform Lord Greengrass that if he is available, I shall speak with him in private right after the Council." They nodded to him and went on ahead. "Regulus, what steps have been taken in investigations of the deaths of Nym and Kingsley?"
"None, the Minister has been putting a stop to that one and has refused to even speak of their deaths. According to Bones, he is afraid that the deaths of two highly decorated Aurors would jeopardize his chances on elections." Regulus didn't hide the disgust in his voice. "You want to meet Bones and discuss it with her, because she would very much like to have that meeting."
"So do I, and as soon as possible. If she is available in 8 PM local time, I'll be more than happy to start dismantling the Order. We were fools to have allowed them to go on for so long, without seizing what we already knew and using it to bring them down. Time to remedy that mistake." Regulus smirked to him gladly and went on ahead with the plan. "Cassiopeia, tell Arcturus that I am well and will meet him at the time of his choosing tomorrow, and inform him about the role that James had played in deaths of our family."
"With pleasure." She took her leave.
"I assume you will want me to help me out with finding a way into Hogwarts for you, won't you?" Rias asked of Harry, who simply gave her the look, before she chuckled and spoke up. "I will let you know when I find something."
"Thank you, Rias." She simply nodded to him and left.
"And… What would like of me, since you seem to be in the mood for giving orders around?" Rose asked of him.
"You've held House Le Fay and our position strong, and for that I am most grateful, Rose. I'll have a few words with Bones and arrange the early examination for you, but do please be ready to depart with me for Gringotts." Rose smiled to him and nodded to him, before leaving.
"As for you, Bellatrix, I want you to tell me every single thing you know about Death Eaters and what James has done." Harry asked of her, with her nodding to him and beginning to talk.
He awoke from slumber a new man, a different man. Harry Potter had allowed his pettiness and arrogance get the better of him, when he could've struck strong and hard agaisnt his enemies. He couldn't allow such attitude continue, not anymore and never again.
Harry Potter had died in that mansion, burned away and swept away with ashes by wind.
Henry Le Fay was born today in his place.
Short, but right to the point, just the way I actually like it. Hope you enjoyed it, and I thank my reviewers for your feedback and opinions, which had paid a key part in this chapter. Now, onto some explaining.
1. Rose taking control. As an immediate Heiress of Harry, it is only logical that Rose would be prepared, at least in the of immediate and extreme need. And let's not forget, that she had spent two years in company of Cassiopeia and Arcturus Black, both of whom are authoritative and capable persons in their own right. It was logical for Rose to have learned more than one or two things from them.
2. Harry and Rose's Demonic blood. Yes, Cassiopeia had used Irene's blood, altered up by the Philosopher's Stone to match that of Harry and Rose, to heal them both. As it had been established before, Devils, such as Irene, possess a far greater level of magical prowess and physical capabilities than regular Wizards and Witches. Now, both Harry and Rose aren't even a quarter Devils and are largely still humans, but with greater level of power and slightly enhanced physical capabilities than that of regular humans. As for why Harry's eye turned blue instead of green, that's because he holds in him blood of Morgana, due to the blood and magic adoption, hence why the regeneration done it so.
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Next time: Ministry's Ball; Fall and Rise of House of Potter; Hunt for Phoenix begins.