Disclaimer: I do not know any part of Harry Potter or anything else you recognise.
A/N: Special thanks to my Beta reader, the lovely SeulWolfe. And thanks to everyone who reviewed!
† - indicates a blatant homage to 'The Princess Bride' – probably the best film I have ever seen.
Chapter Eight
"Everything that you wanted I have done. You asked that child be taken, I took him. You cowered before me and I was frightening. I have reordered time, I have turned the world upside down, and I have done it all for you! I am exhausted from living up to your expectations of me. Isn't that generous?"
26th May, 2005 - Jareth's Bedroom, The Castle Beyond the Goblin City
Harry was nervously pacing back and forth across the floor in Jareth's bedroom. Though, he should probably call it their bedroom, since he hadn't slept in the room assigned to him more than once or twice.
As soon as Jareth had explained what an Oubliette was, Harry had demanded they send someone to look. In fact, he was ready to go there himself, only Jareth's direct order not to, stopped him. And once the heat of the moment had passed, he appreciated that it was the sensible thing to do. He did not know the Labyrinth at all, and even with the King's help, it was still dangerous.
No, it was best to let those who patrolled the place every day to go in and search, they were more likely to be successful. It didn't make waiting any easier, mind you. But wait he did. It was all he could do.
The sound of the door opening drew his attention and he stopped abruptly. Suddenly he wasn't sure he wanted to know the news. He had been a bundle of nerves all morning, and had sent Jareth off for fear of snapping at him. When he turned to face the doorway, he saw his husband-to-be standing there with an unreadable expression.
Harry's eyes held a mute appeal, and Jareth closed the door behind him.
"I won't draw this out and make you wait. Yes, they have found him. He was in an Oubliette, and is in rather poor health. One does not need food to survive in an Oubliette, but one wastes away nonetheless as one is slowly forgotten. He has been inside for a relatively short time however, so I would expect him to make a full recovery. I have done what I can, so if you would like to –" The King was cut off as Harry threw himself at him, his arms closing around him in a tight embrace.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" He mumbled into the Goblin King's neck, his voice muffled and choking with emotion. Truly, this had been a rollercoaster of a week.
"You're welcome, dear one. You may see him immediately, however I cannot join you. I must rest, healing him was… well, difficult. When someone has been trapped for that long, their spirit begins to fade and a part of them does not wish to be brought back, to be healed. It can make the process... troubling, especially since I am not a natural healer. And he was teetering on the very edge." He murmured already heading towards his bed.
"Oh! Jareth, you should have let me help! I am a natural healer, well I think I am, and I –" Harry was cut off by the King this time.
"No, no. It is fine, I simply need to sleep. Perhaps I shall limit myself in the future however, to mere feats of grand conjury, and leave the healing to you." He paused to smile gently. "Go, go now and see him." He waved him away, but Harry would not leave until he had tucked his lover in and made sure he was comfortable. Just as he was drifting off, the King felt warm lips pressed against his temple, and smiled.
It was heady thing – to feel this cherished.
26th May, 2005 – Sirius Black's Recovery Room, Jareth's Castle
Harry entered the room slowly, the goblin that'd shown him the way having left without a word. In fact, the fellow was rather reserved for a goblin. He, on the other hand, could barely contain himself with excitement, and yet, could not focus his eyes on the lump on the bed. His gaze kept flicking over and then away gain.
He saw something move out of the corner of his eye, and swung around, only to discover he was looking at himself, reflected back in the mirror. He stared at his reflection, and suddenly felt a moment of doubt.
What would Sirius think of what he had become?
Everything had happened so fast, he hadn't really taken the time to stop and study his new form. The wings were rather obvious of course, though they were tucked back for the moment. His hair was still mainly black, but had a gleam to it now that no human hair ever seemed to manage, and streaks of pure white giving his features a definite dramatic air. His eyes were still green – he'd noticed his Father – King Dellandario – had the same colour eyes. His sister and Mother – Merlin! His Mother, he wasn't used to that at all – both had a purplish colour.
His ears were pointy, and that was something he was sure he would never get used to! His skin was more olive than alabaster, as it had been before. His eyes were perfect, he didn't need glasses. His features weren't as sharp as his Father's, but were regular, and had a definite foreign caste to them.
Looking at his face now, there was very little, if nothing of James or Lily Potter left.
Scratch the thought of whether Sirius would accept him or not, he would be bloody lucky if he even recognised him!
A muffled moan sounded behind him and he turned to look at the figure in the bed. It was Sirius, to be sure, but he looked worse than he had when he'd escaped Azkaban. He wasn't hurt anymore, but Harry could see the effect the Oubliette had had on him.
Not for the first time in his life, Harry was struck at how unfair life could be. How good people could get dealt such a raw deal, while others, well, they just seemed to coast along, never having to worry about things some people struggled with daily.
Take Sirius, for example.
What had he ever done to deserve the life he'd led? And how could anyone believe he had turned on his friends so easily? The Potters had taken him in when his own family disowned him, just for being who he was. For being a good man. For having the courage to stand up for what he believed in.
Not only did he get sentenced to prison for something he didn't do, he then was imprisoned in his own home by his supposed friends, only to go haring off to rescue a foolish boy who loved him too much.
No, that wasn't true; he didn't love him too much. Sure, he had this new family now, and he was looking forward to getting to know them. He was already anticipating the day when it wouldn't feel weird to call the King and Queen 'Mum and Dad'. He was excited at the idea of spending time with his sister, and meeting his big brother. All those things were important, and he was under no illusions as to how lucky he was to have them.
And not forgetting Jareth. He could feel the beginnings of the deep bond he knew he would develop with that man. And he was both ecstatic and terrified about their future. He wouldn't change it for the world, mind you.
But still, all these people were important to him, they were carving their own places in his heart, but Sirius…
They were tied together by something different altogether. They had been there for each other, when no one else was, and no one else would bother with them. They had both been willing to lay down their lives for the other. That wasn't something to be taken lightly, and that left a mark on a body's soul that would never fade away.
Sirius was his best friend, his brother, his father, his family. Even more than those of his blood, or the Potters. They'd staked a claim on each other that would be with them till the day they died. He didn't even realise it had gone that deep until he thought that he'd lost him.
But it did, and he had, and well. Now, here he was.
"Whoever you are, could you stop thinking so loud? I'm trying to sleep." Sirius complained and rolled over, resettling himself under the numerous covers. Harry couldn't help himself, he laughed. Long and loud, before hurrying over to the bed.
"Hello Padfoot. How're you doing?" He asked, smiling warmly.
"H-Harry? I-Is that you?" He sat up slowly, peering into the dim light. Harry was surprised. Perhaps his voice hadn't changed that much, or perhaps his godfather simply knew. He sort of liked that idea, it was comforting.
"Yes, Sirius, it is. Don't try and strain yourself to see me for now. You've… you've been in the dark for so long, your eyes will need time to adjust. We've, well, he healed you as best he could, but your body will need time to catch up with itself. Besides, I've, um, changed a little since you last saw me." Harry said the last part in rush, suddenly feeling thirteen years old again.
"How long?" Demanded Sirius, and Harry shuffled his feet uncomfortably.
"Um…" He faltered, not really knowing how to answer, despite the obvious.
"How long?!" Sirius repeated louder and Harry coughed.
"Nine years." Harry said quietly.
"Pardon?" His godfather repeated, not quite sure if he heard right.
"NINE YEARS! I'm fucking twenty four now!" Harry's rage at the injustice of it all leaked into his voice, and he stalked away from the bed for a moment, trying to calm himself.
"Nine years. I… It didn't feel like nine years to me. It felt, I don't know. I don't really remember, I seemed to just collapse into myself…" Sirius' voice trailed off in bewilderment, and Harry muttered darkly.
"You fell through a gateway, and straight into an Oubliette. People are sent there to be forgotten. How a gateway ended up in the Ministry of Magic, I do not know. But it did, and you fell. And well, here we are." He said, turning back and sitting in a chair conveniently placed next to the bed.
"An Oubliette?" The man in the bed repeated, clearly confused.
"Yes. The Labyrinth's riddled with them. It's not exactly a very friendly place, and it's only become worse, over the years. Still, perhaps things can be turned around now." The elf replied, though it did little to resolve Sirius' confusion, in fact it only made it worse. He decided to file the last few minutes of their conversation under 'Things to ask about later', and went back to something his godson had said earlier.
"Changed a little, huh? In what way? Obviously you're a grown man now, but I'm wondering why you haven't given your Uncle Padfoot a hug yet, hmm?" He said, attempting to sound like his old self, and almost managing it.
"I…" Harry began, but then stopped. If he hugged him, there were at least two things he would notice right away. Namely, big, feathery wings, and not so big pointy ears. Well, there was no sense beating about the bush, and he was bound to find out sooner or later…
Deciding to do the Gryffindor thing and just dive right in the deep end, hoping he could swim, he launched himself at his godfather, and gave him a good squeeze.
"Um, Harry, did you get stuck halfway through an Animagus transformation?"
"Hoo boy." Thought Harry.
26th May, 2005 - Main Concourse, Gringotts Bank
Albus Dumbledore stood near the door to the Diagon Alley branch of Gringotts. He was waiting for his colleagues to join him. They had been delayed at the Ministry of Magic, trying to obtain an order to examine Harry Potter's financial records.
The Ministry had retained control over his accounts and attached inheritances since his trial, but a special dispensation was needed for the Aurors or members of the Wizengamot to investigate his monetary comings and goings. This stipulation was added to the agreement with the Gringotts goblins by the goblins themselves. They had been extremely resistant in rescinding control of Harry's money away from Harry himself, since he hadn't been sentenced to Azkaban or actually convicted of any crime.
Dumbledore had been surprised at the time, but had decided it was simply their chagrin at the loss of profit the order indicated for them. After all, if Harry wasn't allowed to access his money, he would not be able to further the business interests of his family, and thus make more money for the bank and himself.
Noticing the others heading up the front steps, he moved forwards to greet them. Auror Dawlish had accompanied Auror Shacklebolt, along with Percy Weasley, who was representing the Minister. Moody and Severus approached from a different direction, having flooed from Hogwarts to the Leaky Cauldron.
After a perfunctory exchange of pleasantries, the group approached the nearest teller. Presenting Harry's keys and the signed dispensation, they waited for an answer. The teller scanned the document quickly, boredom etched into his features, before stopping abruptly.
"Sirs, you wish to access the records of Dr. Harry Potter, correct?" He asked, and Dumbledore nodded, a benevolent smile fixed in place, though inwardly chafing at the perceived delay. It didn't occur to him that the goblin was just doing his job.
"That is indeed correct." He clarified, and the goblin frowned.
"Wait here." He said shortly, before disappearing.
The assembled group waited as requested, though a few were offended by the curt manner in which they were being dealt with. Clearly they were all very busy and important, and felt they should be treated with the respect they deserved. But, that was goblins for you, or so they thought.
After an extended wait, the goblin teller returned, and ushered them into a private room. They were directed to sit in front of a large desk, behind which sat a different goblin. This one gave them a toothy smile, before speaking.
"Gentlemen, I have been informed that you wish to access the accounts belonging to Dr. Harry Potter. Is this right?" He asked and again Dumbledore nodded. "I'm afraid that this will not be possible. Those accounts have been sealed and are not accessible by any party other than the account holder or certain selected Gringotts personnel." He declared, not even bothering to hide his smug grin.
Dumbledore and his cohorts were astounded and immediately began to argue.
Griphook, the goblin in question, found this vastly entertaining, and let the silly humans bleat away futilely, trying to enforce their pathetic Ministry's order. After a while, the shouting began to get more annoying than amusing, so he decided to retake control.
"SILENCE HUMANS!" He roared, delighted by the way they jumped in their seats. "This is non-negotiable. These accounts are no longer under the jurisdiction of the British Ministry of Magic, as per Section 14B, Paragraph C, of the 'Cross Species Account Relations Agreement, 119BC'. Your Ministry has no say here, so I suggest you leave before you embarrass yourselves further. Never have I seen such a childish display as that which I have witnessed today, in this office. Now, if you have business with your own accounts, please see one of the tellers in the main hall. Good Day, Gentlemen." He said, before waving a hand at the door.
With a whoosh they found themselves unceremoniously dumped on the other side of said door, and watched it slam closed with a loud bang.
As the others started fussing and waxing lyrically about how they 'had never been so insulted in their lives', and other such rot, Severus Snape controlled the urge to laugh uproariously for the first time in a long time, and scoffed at their protestations. He had personally delivered worse insults to many of them before, and had delighted in doing so. That was not the point, however.
Clearly, something was up here, and Potter had managed to acquire himself some faithful allies. It must be quite the novelty for the annoying brat. The part about being subject to the Cross Species Agreement was interesting though, he hadn't thought Potter had any creature blood in him. And it would have to be a lot, to be eligible for inclusion in that law. Maybe he was a half breed, and he had only come into his inheritance recently. It looked like Albus was equally unaware, and that was more than interesting, it was most definitely something to consider.
Glancing over his shoulder, he noted the satisfied look on the faces of more than one goblin, as the group he arrived with began drifting towards the doors. Deciding to take a chance, he stopped Albus who was trying to placate the Weasley brat.
"Albus, I do in fact have business of my own with the goblins. It would be foolish to waste the trip down here. I shall return to the school directly afterwards. Perhaps you could send a message if you require my counsel?" He asked.
Dumbledore nodded in a distracted way. "Yes, yes, of course Severus. I expect I shall be tied up at the Ministry for a number of hours. I will contact you when I return." He replied.
"Contact me! Ha! Summon me more like. There are some days when I wish I had never heard of wizards." Snape thought to himself, as he turned and strode purposefully back towards the line of tellers. Approaching the nearest one, he was not completely surprised when it beckoned in a peremptory fashion and led him to yet another private room. He wasn't very surprised either, when he was face to face with Griphook once again.
"Greetings, Professor Snape." He said, before turning his attention to some papers on his desk. In a decidedly offhand manner, he glanced up and added, "Has that phoenix tattoo on your back been giving you trouble, by any chance?" He asked.
24th May, 2005 - Kansai International Airport, Osaka Bay
"Would all remaining passengers wishing to travel on flight number JL402 to London Heathrow, please proceed directly to gate number seven for immediate boarding."
That was his flight.
He was going home, at last.
And when he got there, things would never be the same again.
He would make sure of it.
26th May, 2005 -Office of the Daily Prophet, Diagon Alley
Rita Skeeter jumped as something landed on her desk with a loud thwack! Glancing up she saw an owl flying off through the open window it must have entered from, clearly it had been told not to wait for a reply. Looking down at her desk, she was surprised to see what it had delivered.
"DMLE File 637Ø3: Harry Potter. My, my, my, what have we here?" She murmured to herself as she snapped it open and eagerly began to read the contents. Something struck her beady eyes almost immediately. "Current Status: Missing? Harry Potter is missing!?" She jumped out of her seat, calling out to her boss. "Chief! Chief! We've got a live one!"
26th May, 2005 - Griphook's Private Office, Gringotts
Severus paused, considering his words before he spoke. "Now, why would you ask such a thing?" He said, and Griphook smiled again.
"Because mine certainly is." Came the unexpected reply from a voice he had not heard in sometime. Turning sharply in his chair, Snape laid eyes on someone he had given up on ever seeing again.
"Remus." He murmured.
"Severus." The werewolf replied.
The feelings which arose within the Potions Master at seeing this man again, threatened to overwhelm him, such was their intensity.
Since the first time they met, on the train before their first year, no one had ever affected him so strongly. And no one else ever even came close. Not even Dumbledore and all his deceptions. Whether it was the fear that he was going to tear him apart, or the complete and total desolation he felt when he thought he'd lost him, Remus was the one who reminded him he did have a heart.
"So, you have returned. I wonder if this is a coincidence, though something tells me it is not." He declared, hoping that his departure from his normal stoic behaviour would prompt the other man to be equally as open.
"I'm not sure. If it isn't, I certainly didn't arrange it myself. When I discovered the compulsion which had been placed on me by a certain person, I took the first available flight back to England. Our mutual friend Griphook here knew of my arrival, and persuaded me to accept the hospitality of his people. Let me be upfront with you Severus. I know you have the same mark as I do, and I knowthat yours is worse because it conflicts with the Dark Mark, even though Voldemort's mark is essentially inactive. A certain person placed mine as a way of 'helping' me control my curse. I don't see now how that would be possible. But at the time... well, you know better than I perhaps, how convincing he can be. Still, it seems distance was not something he considered when he branded us, and who knows how many others. When I went to the other side of the world, the structure of the spells he placed on me began to collapse, and that's when I started questioning things." Remus explained, stopping his advance across the room to sit in the chair next to Snape.
Severus himself considered what he had heard. He could imagine how a young, impressionable young man like Remus could fall for the Headmaster's schemes. Filled with gratitude over the chance he was being offered, by the generosity, he would agree with anything the man said. Much like himself. Then, only later, would he understand the slavery he had given himself up to.
"I believe I understand. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to get far enough away." He lamented and Remus smiled, turning his head to face their Goblin friend, he raised an eyebrow in question.
"Ah, yes, Professor Snape. Allow me to interrupt you here, and offer my assistance." Griphook declared.
30th May, 2005 - Near the Entrance to the Labyrinth
Harry and Caredessi were walking through the grounds, talking about anything which came to mind. They didn't realise how far they had gone when they came across the entrance to the giant maze known as 'The Labyrinth'. Caredessi stopped to look at the high walls, some of them almost completely concealed by overgrown shrubs and crawling ivy.
"Don't want ta be goin' in there now." Said a voice Harry recognised.
"Hoggle!" He declared, earning himself a crooked smile from the dwarf.
"Well, remembered my name did yer? And this be your sister, eh? Would you like to see my doorknob collection? I have more than three thousand!" He said, looking questioningly at the two elves. Brother and sister exchanged cautious glances, before Harry shrugged.
"Where did you get them all from?" Asked Caredessi curiously.
"I don't really remember, but there's a heck of people having trouble tryin' to open their doors!" He replied cheerfully and the siblings couldn't help laughing.
They had tea and what looked like scones with the dwarf in his little hut, and Harry was again assaulted by memories of Hagrid. Those memories stirred the melancholy which had been with him since his arrest, but which he had thought he'd begun to put behind him. His sister was quick to notice, and when they were on their way back to the castle, she questioned him on it.
"What has made you so sad brother?" She asked, linking her arm with his and Harry shrugged.
"You know about what the wizards did to me, yes?" At her answering nod, he continued. "Well, when I was little, I didn't know I was a wizard too. I mean, I know now I'm not really but, anyway. My Aunt and Uncle didn't like me very much, and my life with them, let's just say, it wasn't a happy one."
Once inside, they traversed the long hallways and into the apartments their family shared. Deciding it was still a nice day, they sat in some chairs which had been placed on one of the larger balconies, the younger elf still telling his story. The two of them barely noticed when their parents and Harry's godfather joined them. Harry was describing his life with the Dursleys, Caredessi listening with growing horror which she hid poorly.
"And then one day, midnight on my eleventh birthday, in fact, a huge man came to the door, told me I was a wizard. Suddenly, a whole new world had opened up before me. I was dazzled and excited, scared and joyous all rolled into one. So anyway, that man was called Rubeus Hagrid and throughout all my years at Hogwarts, he always stood by me. No matter what everyone else was saying or thought of me, he always believed in me. I really thought, when they arrested me, I thought that he would be there. Not to speak up for me, or anything, but just send a letter or one of his horrible rock cakes. Something like that. But he didn't, and I...Well. Hoggle is a lot like Hagrid. And his hut is like Hagrid's. And his horrible tea and cakes are just like Hagrid's too." He paused, looking down at his feet.
"And it brought it all back. I wish I could have been there for you Harry. I don't know what the people in that world are thinking! And don't get me started on those Weasleys! And that Granger girl! Grrrr!" Sirius actually growled and Harry couldn't help laughing.
The man's magic had been returning to him slowly over the last few days, and Harry was overjoyed when he found out that his family had been helping the healing process along. They had accepted Sirius as some kind of kin when they discovered the relationship between him and their long lost son. So had the other Avariel, and their gentle way of approaching nature had done more to soothe the older man's spirit than anything he had tried in the past. He still had a long way to go, but Harry could actually see that he would make it. Unlike when he had escaped from Azkaban and had been forced to hide in Grimmauld Place.
There, the haunting reminders of his family and their darkness far outweighed any of the positive points about having his rather dubious freedom. But the Underground was so alien and distant from that world, that it seemed like he had truly relaxed, for probably the first time in more than twenty years.
"You do not know his side of the story though son, and while you should not harbour false hope, perhaps, in the future, you will be able to speak with your large friend and clarify this issue with him." Said Dellandario and Harry nodded.
"Perhaps Father, perhaps." He replied.
They talked of less ominous things for a time. Harry got to hear embarrassing stories about his sister as a baby, and a few fond remembrances of his own brief time with his birth parents. The mood gradually grew better, and Harry's sadness began to fade slightly. They were interrupted by the arrival of one of Jareth's goblins.
"Your Majesties, Your Highnesses. The King requests your presence in the throne room, to greet some unexpected visitors. He bids you come immediately." The goblin bowed backed away to stand near the door. Exchanging curious glances with his family, Harry shrugged and stood.
"Unexpected visitors? Why do I get the feeling this isn't one of the worms popping round for a cup of tea?" He murmured to himself.
30th May, 2005 - Jareth's Throne Room, The Castle Beyond the Goblin City
"...Forgive me, You Majesty. I realise this is a gross impertinence on my part, but when my associates and I weighed our alternatives, this seemed the most expedient route."
The voice of the person speaking, was stiff with pride. Clearly not someone who was used to any kind of contrition. Harry and the others entered the throne room quietly, moving silently on the periphery of the action being played out before them. Wordlessly, Harry took his seat at his King's side, his mother and father seating themselves in their 'guest' thrones. The other people arranged themselves how they wished, and all eyes fell onto the 'unexpected visitors'.
The visitors were in fact Griphook, a rather regal looking goblin and what must be some of their cronies. On first observation, Harry assumed that this must be Chief Ragnok, and Jareth's next words confirmed this.
"Ragnok, normally this would be an unforgivable infraction. However, these are strange times, and I do not believe in alienating my friends and allies in a time when I will need them most. Not for the sake of tradition, or overblown courtesies. Do not misunderstand me - I do not imply that these things are unimportant - they are very important, but not always appropriate. Come, my old friend. Let us not stand on ceremony. Bring seats for the Chief and his entourage!" The Goblin King ordered, and a brief look of relief showed on the Gringotts goblins faces, before it was quickly masked.
Once they were suitably seated and provided with the necessary refreshments, their conversation continued. Though, in a less formal manner than before.
"Tell me, Your Majesty, I notice the young Avariel seated at your side. His position suggests you have found your mate, and yet, Griphook has indicated to me that he is also the wizard once known as Harry Potter. Is this true?" Ragnok asked, his curiosity obviously getting the better of him.
"Aye, 'Tis true. And a long, convoluted tale it is as well. Let me explain. No, actually, that will take more time than we have. So, let me summarise†. My mate here, was born Elessar Devoryn, son of Dellandario and Enaberia Devoryn, Prince of Faenya-Dail. Faenya-Dail is the city-state of the Avariel here in the Underground." He added at the confused look from some of the goblin entourage. "He was stolen by wizards as an infant, kept in some kind of stasis - we believe - and then given to Lily and James Potter as a baby. Somehow his elven nature was bound within him and he appeared human. You know what happened next, and how he came to be here, so I need not explain it again." Jareth sat back after he had finished speaking, and regarded his long-time friend to watch his reaction.
"It is distressing news. From what I know of the Potters, it is easy to guess who perpetrated these crimes, or at the very least, would have knowledge of those involved. That is one of the reasons for my unprecedented and unannounced visit. We have in our company two earth wizards-" Whatever he was going to say was interrupted by angry hisses and murmurs from some of the Avariel present. Ragnok held up a gnarled hand in protest and the mutterings died down. "Before you judge, they have both been through terrible ordeals at the hands of other wizards, and have a great deal of information to share about past crimes against the former Harry Potter, and future schemes. Fearing for their safety were they to remain within the sphere of control of the wizards, we brought them here. They are willing to earn their keep, as I believe the expression goes. They merely wish for a hearing, Your Majesty. What say you?" The goblin chief asked, and waited for a reply.
Jareth looked at Harry. Long and hard, wondering what would be best for them. For their people. For both of them now had a responsibility over the subjects who for millennia, had been Jareth's alone. Harry was to essentially be their Queen - though he sincerely doubted he would escape with his dignity intact if he ever tried to call Harry his Queen - there were risks to be considered.
On the other hand, healing might not be his forte, he did rather excel in other realms of magic, and felt sure he could protect his mate from a mere measly two wizards.
Still looking at Harry, he raised and eyebrow in question. Harry shrugged, and then nodded, turning to exchange a curious glance with his godfather. Both seemed to wonder at the possible identities of these wizards. They had their suspicions, but could not be sure by any means of who it would be.
"Very well. They shall have their hearing. Show them in." Jareth declared, leaning back in his throne, and claiming possession over one of Harry's hands.
Harry, for his part, was not complaining. He rather found the touch comforting. Not that he was particularly nervous, or anything like that. He had his family, new and old, and his lover by his side after all. What need he fear of these wizards? It wasn't like they would probably even recognise him. But the casual gesture was akin to an affirmation of the everydayness of their relationship.
Open, established, and normal.
It was a novelty to be sure, for one such as he.
Severus Snape and Remus Lupin waited quietly with varying degrees of anxiety and frustration.
Remus was the one feeling rather more anxious than frustrated, being in a new world and everything. Despite all the years he had lived with his condition, he always worried when he went somewhere new. Especially if he had no prior knowledge of the place and its views on so-called 'Dark Creatures', like werewolves. He was also frustrated with Severus, for though they had been reunited for a number of days now, the man was still resolutely keeping his distance.
He supposed he could hardly blame him; theirs had been a tumultuous and tempestuous relationship from the start. It had begun in their teenage years, and to a point it was still coloured by their adolescent natures. In his more melodramatic moments, Remus thought of theirs as a classic 'doomed love'. They were continually being thrown apart by circumstances, and more often than not - each other. Goodness knew they were both incredibly stubborn when they wanted to be, though Severus was still more inflexible than he.
Remus did wonder at times, what kept them coming back to each other.
Though werewolves mated for life and the two of them were bonded, it did not force them into any kind of specific proximity. His waning strength and tendency to sickliness was caused by their frequent separations however, and a lot of those separations were involuntary. If left too long apart, the bond would snap. This would be very painful for both of them, but not deadly.
Remus actually believed that most of their absences from the other were either contrived or arranged, by a certain person, to ensure their bond never grew too strong. If it was given the chance, it would override any previous or subsequent claims made on either of them. Dark Mark or Phoenix Mark, it would not matter. They would only belong to themselves, and each other. No one else could claim their loyalty.
If he could get Severus to sit still long enough to compare notes and excuses, he was sure he could actually substantiate his theory. But unfortunately, Severus had taken up his favourite past time - other than potions or being sneaky of course. He was pacing.
Back and forth, back and forth, like a demented yo-yo.
The werewolf sighed again, and tried to wait patiently for someone to come and either turf them out or call them into the room their goblin escort had disappeared into a while ago. Other goblins, who didn't seem quite as intelligent as the ones they were used, to, rather the Crabbe and Goyles of the goblin world, were watching over them. If you could call it that of course. They seemed to be playing some bizarre game involving dice and fish sticks. Neither wizard really wanted to know what it was all about, so they just let their guards get on with it. The little blighters did seem to be enjoying themselves though.
"King say bring 'em!" A loud voice interrupted the game and the two men found themselves shoved up out of their chairs and pushed, rather rudely with some nasty looking pointy spears, towards the aforementioned doors.
"Tell me Remus, why did we come here again?" Severus murmured wryly as the doors were opened.
"Well, I believe it was because... SIRIUS?!?"