Warrior Mage -
Chapter 10
Never a Quiet Life
The next few days were incredibly busy - he had been summoned to Lesea a total of eight times, had Order meetings to attend, that's not to mention several appointments with leaders of various countries. All of this was on top of his usual teaching and his training sessions with Dani and Rhia.
To add yet more complications to his already hectic life, Harry was growing aware of Voldemort becoming more and more active.
"Are you ok, Harry?" Tonks asked nervously.
"I'll be fine in a minute." Harry assured her, rubbing his scar fretfully. With Voldemort gaining power and support, he was feeling the effects of dozens of Unforgiveables every day.
"I've put this off for too long." He murmured, almost forgetting that Tonks was in the room.
"Put what off? You won't do anything stupid, will you?"
"That would all depend on your ideas of 'stupidity'." Harry said softly.
"That's not very reassuring, Harry." Tonks retorted dryly.
"Sorry." Was his bland reply.
"Can you tell me?"
"You won't like it."
"So? I would prefer to know what's going on in my fianc's life."
"I'm going to pay Voldemort that little visit that I promised him."
"And do what?"
"Offer my assistance." Harry said, his voice so quiet that it was almost inaudible.
"No." Tonks said sharply.
"Excuse me?"
"No - don't."
"Why not? It's the easiest way to undermine him, get information and try to get a few of his supporters to switch sides, all at the same time."
"No. Don't do this, Harry. It's too dangerous."
"How else am I going to go about this, Tonks? Please tell me, because right now I'm running out of ideas." Harry mumbled a silencing spell on the door so that he could speak freely without having to worry about people spying on him.
"I have to find a way to destroy him, Tonks, and a way to keep my people and the wizarding world safe! I am only one person, and this is the best option - it is no more dangerous than any of my other occupations - Harry Potter has to kill Voldemort - surely not without risk - Simba Tide has to keep the Warriors happy and stop them joining forces with Voldemort - also not without risks."
"What you're going to do is as good as committing suicide!" Tonks pleaded.
"Maybe, maybe not. I have to do this. You knew what you were getting into, Tonks. Have you forgotten?" The question was soft, but Harry was cold inside, dreading the answer.
"Then...I want out." Tonks whispered hoarsely. Harry closed his eyes and gulped.
"You have to do what you want to." He said, wanting to curl up and die.
"I wish you'd change your mind." Tonks said, a tear making its way down her cheek. Harry brushed it away, kissing her forehead.
"I wish I could." Harry sighed. Tonks nodded a little, walking out of the office. Harry sunk down into his chair, composing himself for a moment before opening his locket.
In his study, Harry took out his frustration in the gym, before deciding that it was time to start practicing the shield for the killing curse. He tried it time after time, never succeeding. In his frustration, he had nearly toasted himself alive, but had thankfully managed to control the fire before it got that far. He sat in the hidden room behind the library, staring at the the walls and feeling his heart tear itself to pieces. He had lost his fiancée all because of his 'duties', and wondered just how much else he would be expected to sacrifice for everyone else. He soon became aware of something tugging at his mind - he had the creeping feeling of dread as he exited his sanctuary, Tripping to Lesea as soon as he was out.
"Harry! There you are!" Leona cried, looking immensely relieved. Harry immediately took the guise of Simba, worry marring his attractive features.
"What's happened?" He asked.
"There's been an attack on the Ministry!" Leona said frantically. "Arian was in there." Simba nodded sharply before Tripping straight into the heart of the Ministry building. He could feel the remains of the shattered safety measures and silently cursed - those wards would hardly have contained humans, let alone Warriors. He stood perfectly still, his feet planted firmly on the ground as he poured magic into the ruined structure that surrounded him. Slowly, he pieced the building together with his magic, holding back nausea as he saw the scattered bodies. A crowd was beginning to gather around him, and he sent a grouchy message to Lee, telling her to get them under control. Soon, he had restored the building, and made a mental note to reinforce it another day - for now, he had to see to the people that had been caught in the attack. He knelt down, feeling for a pulse on the first person. His heart sank as he found none, and could sense no life in the person. Numbing himself to the pain, he conjured a sheet and covered the body, moving swiftly to the next person. Another death.
By the time Simba had conjured nine sheets, he was beginning to get frustrated with his helplessness - Warrior Mage or not, he could not bring the dead back to life. On the tenth person, he was relieved to find a pulse - a weak and irregular pulse, but a pulse nonetheless. He gave the person a jolt of energy, calling for a healer. Gem and a couple of her colleagues rushed over, hurrying to help the injured person.
"Gem, come with me." Simba said, moving on to the next person.
"Are you ok, Simba?" She asked in an undertone.
"I'll be glad when this day is over." Simba sighed deeply, conjuring another sheet and quickly moving on.
"I know how you feel - how's everything at Hogwarts?"
"Not good." Simba grimaced.
"Why not?"
"Let's just say that I don't think anything else can possibly go wrong today - unless, of course, I get back to Hogwarts to find that Voldemort's waiting for me, or something."
"Oh."
"Help this person - they seem to have got off fairly lightly - make sure that she is comfortable and stable, then come to find me."
"Sure." Simba moved swiftly on, beginning to feel a little worse for the wear. He glanced around and saw that he had covered just over half of the injuries. There was still no sign of Arian.
"Lee, Gem, over here now." Simba ordered, leaving no room for debate. "Come on Arian, I really do not need you dying on me. Not now." He said, pulsing his own magic through Arian. The pulse was there, but only just - Arian was in a very bad way. Sinking into a trance, Simba searched for the injuries in Arian's body, and gasped slightly as he saw the extent of the damage. Working quickly, he repaired most of the damage, glad that his friend's mind seemed relatively unharmed.
Five minutes later, Simba awoke from the trance, his head throbbing and his body protesting as he climbed unsteadily to his feet.
"Stay with him - I'll be back as soon as I've seen to everyone else." He murmured to Gem and Lee, moving swiftly on before either could voice the protests that were going through their minds.
All in all, fourteen Warriors had died in the attack, with a further seventeen severely injured, and four left with only minor injuries. Luckily, the attack had taken place at a time when many people had already left. Simba was exhausted mentally, physically and magically as he made his way back to the Tides' home. Arian was in hospital, stable but under close observation. Simba had wanted to go and make sure that he was ok, but Lee and Gem had all but ordered him to go back to the house and get some rest, promising that they would inform him of Arian's condition. That was the reason that the house was eerily quiet as Simba slipped up to his room, collapsing wearily onto his bed.
He was rudely awoken just moments later by the feeling of someone breaching the wards he had placed around the house. Immediately, he knew that it was one of those responsible for the attack on the Ministry. Growling angrily, he leapt lightly to his feet, not even bothering to replace his shirt. As he made his way silently down the stair, he changed into Simba, pulling two very lethal looking swords from thin air. The intruder never had a chance - not only did Simba know without a shadow of a doubt that this person had helped attack the Ministry, resulting many deaths as well as horrific injuries, but he also knew that this messenger had been sent to kill him while he slept - apparently, a great many people greatly underestimated him. It was over in less than a minute - Simba put one sword through the person's heart, and the other sliced across their neck. They didn't even have time to cry out before they fell lifelessly to the floor.
"We protect innocents, punish the guilty and keep the peace." Simba muttered, sinking to the floor, unconscious.
When he woke up again, Simba squinted against the painfully bright lights and the overwhelming smell of disinfectant.
"Hospital Wing." He murmured dryly, not particularly pleased to find himself in an infirmary again. He always seemed to be there.
"You're awake." Lee said, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Where am I?"
"Hospital. You've been out for three days."
"Oh - damn. How's Arian?"
"He's getting better - wanted to come and see you, but Gem went mental at him, saying that both of you needed to rest, and that if she caught him out of bed, she would make sure that he was never having any children." Simba winced sympathetically, knowing that he wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of Gem.
"Erm...Gem said something was going on at Hogwarts?" Leona said, somewhat reluctantly.
"Oh. That."
"What happened?"
"Tonks and I broke up."
"No way - but...you were engaged!"
"I told her what I was going to do...with Voldemort."
"Oh."
"Do you still think I'm wrong?"
"After what happened with the Ministry, I know it's pointless to try and change your mind, but I do know why you're doing it. I know I would be doing the same in your position - at least, if I had the guts."
"Thank you."
"So what happened - you told her and she went loopy?"
"No - I told her that she knew what she was getting into - and she said she wanted out."
"You didn't try to talk her round?"
"Nope - what good would it have done? If this is going to work, she needs to be able to trust me, and know that whatever I do, I'm doing it for a reason, and not just because I have a death wish."
"I suppose." Lee said, wishing dearly that Harry/Simba didn't have to deal with all of this. He deserved to be happy, and at that moment, he seemed anything but.
"I was going to go and get Tonks, but when Gem told me... I thought I'd better wait and see what was going on at Hogwarts first."
"Thanks."
"So...umm...do you want to explain the dead person in the living room?"
"That was one of the Warriors who instigated the attack. He was under orders to kill me in my sleep." Simba summarised quickly.
"You've got to be joking." Lee said, looking disbelieving.
"Hardly. I don't think my imagination's good enough to make up that ridiculous plan."
"How stupid do they think you are?"
"No idea. When am I allowed out of here?"
"Er...well...the healers said they wanted to keep you in for another week, just to make sure that your magic levels are back where they should be, and so that you can get some rest."
"Absolutely not." Simba replied, appalled by the mere thought of a week long prison sentence.
"Sim..."
"No Lee, I don't have a week. I need to make my move now. I need to make sure that there are no more attacks on Lesea. I will not stay in here for a week because I have little enough time as it is."
"I guess...just...make sure you're careful, ok? Nothing too risky. I would like my cousin back at the end of all this." She gave him a rather tearful hug, dashing off moments later. Simba sighed and sat back, deciding what his next move would be.
Tonks sat in her room, crying silently as she slid the engagement ring from her finger. She loved Harry, but hated the thought of him serving Voldemort - even if it was just an act. Surely there was another way, but he had already made up his mind, and had no intentions of changing it, no matter what she had said. She looked up when someone gasped, and found Ron and Hermione watching her in concern.
"What's wrong? Where's Harry?" She asked.
"No idea - probably in his office." Tonks muttered.
"No he isn't - we checked there. No sign of him."
"What?" Tonks' head snapped up in horror - surely he hadn't left already?
"He's not in the castle or on the grounds - he's not on the map." Ron said, looking worried. It was at that moment that Leona appeared in the room, her face blank, though her eyes were a little red from crying.
"Harry's in Lesea - there was an attack." She said. Tonks paled further.
"Is he ok?" She asked.
"He's upset, but not physically hurt. Simba, on the other hand, was unconscious for three days."
"What happened?" Hermione squeaked.
"The attack brought the Ministry building down - when Simba heard, he rebuilt it with his magic - an incredible drain on its own. Then he went round the injured people, identifying those who were dead and helping to stabilise those who were still alive. Quite a few people are alive because of him, including Arian. Then someone broke into our house, with orders to kill him. They're dead now."
"Oh god. Harry's ok though?"
"Yeah - luckily."
"Can I go and see him?" Tonks asked, not very hopeful that she would be allowed.
"No - I don't think that would be a very good idea. He's...kinda upset at the moment."
"Tonks is his fiancée! I'm sure she'd be able to cheer him up." Hermione said.
"I'm not." Tonks whispered.
"You're not? What are you talking about?" Ron asked.
"Tonks here broke it off." Leona said, still annoyed with Tonks.
"What? She's...Tonks, you didn't, did you?"
"Oh, and Harry is whiter than white, I suppose?" Tonks retorted.
"He's doing what he thinks is right. He's doing what he has to. Simba is doing what he needs to do to end this thing so that everyone - both worlds - can finally get some peace. Do you think he wants to do this? Do you seriously think that he'd do it if there was any other viable option?" Leona broke off as Hermione's eyes had grown impossibly round.
"He's...but...he never told us."
"Would you have treated him like the same old Harry?" Leona asked.
"No, of course not."
"Exactly. Besides, he was going to tell you at some point. Only Tonks and Remus knew - apart from my family, of course."
"Can we go and see him?"
"Give me a minute - I think Remus will want to come too." Leona walked to the door, pausing before opening it.
"You promised you'd be there for him, you know. He told you everything. Don't you remember saying that you'd always be there for him if he needed you?" She shook her head in disappointment before walking out. Hermione and Ron were silent as they left, and it was clear that Ron really didn't have much of a clue as to what was going on. Tonks put her head in her hands and sobbed.
When Lee, Ron, Hermione and Remus landed in Lesea, they found that Simba had already left the hospital. Gem seemed rather annoyed at this, but she knew why he had done it. As they walked back to the house, everyone was silent. Hermione had explained to Ron that Harry and Simba were the same person, but Leona refused to tell them what Harry was doing that had made Tonks split up with him over. She mentally warned Harry that they were on their way over and that Ron and Hermione now knew about Simba. He had sighed and told her that he was actually surprised that it had taken Hermione that long to figure it out.
They found Harry in his room, packing a small bag.
"You should be resting before you go - you need your strength." Lee scolded half-heartedly, knowing that she was wasting her breath.
"No time." Harry replied. There was something in his tone that made the others shiver - Lee immediately recognised it - he was angry and determined.
"Harry?" Ron ventured. Harry turned to face them, his eyes hardened and lit with a determined fire.
"Remember what I said in class about not angering a Warrior?" He said. Ron and Hermione nodded, confused as to where he was going.
"It's an even worse idea to anger a Warrior Mage. And killing off my people has made me more than a little pissed off."
"Harry, what are you going to do?"
"I'm going to go and see what Tom's doing for myself." Harry said, going back to his packing.
"What?"
"I'm going to Tom, I'm going to linger for a few days, royally piss him off, teach him never to mess with me, learn whatever I can about his plans, get some of his followers to at least remain neutral, and undermine his 'authority' at every turn."
"You're...you're going to spy on him?"
"Yeah - he wants me as a Deatheater - to serve him. As if. No - I'm going to play along and say that I'm considering 'allying' with him."
"Are you sure this will work, Harry?" Remus asked.
"There are going to be problems, I guarantee it, but it will work. If only because I will not let it fail. I've sacrificed everything for this god-damned war, and I'll be damned if I lose." Harry growled. Leona bit her lip, knowing that his break-up with Tonks had just made him even more determined to win. Voldemort had no chance. Harry wasn't just annoyed, he was livid, and the power was rolling off him in waves, despite the fact that he was still recovering from magical exhaustion.
"Harry, calm down. You need your power. Don't waste it getting angry at the world."
"I know. I need to go and train - I had a speech earlier - I think most Warriors will think twice before joining Voldemort.
"What did you say?" Lee asked, hoping that he hadn't terrified everyone.
"Don't look at me like that - I didn't use scare tactics. I just told it like it was, and told people exactly who was to blame for the attack."
"Oh. Do you want a hand training?"
"Sure, why not - you can help me try to sort out this shield."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I was practicing you know - it's quite an efficient stress-reliever." He gave a small grin, making Lee shake her head in astonishment.
"You're mental." She murmured.
"And you've only just figured this out?" Harry retorted, now grinning widely. "Come on, we have work to do."
In the training area, the three humans watched in absolute astonishment as Simba hurled everything he had at Leona. It made the duels that Harry had in class look like no more than child's play. Leona was working hard just to miss half of the things he threw at her, which was a mixture of weapons and hexes. Soon, he drew to a halt, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes.
"Now." He said, beginning to glow softly. Leona nodded and muttered the spell that would send an imitation of the killing curse at Simba. Hermione screamed as it impacted with Simba making the glow turn from white to a sickly green. When it died down, they saw Simba floating about an inch from the ground, looking calm and serene.
"For real, this time." He said softly.
"Simba..."
"Trust me, Lee." Leona gulped and nodded slightly. Once again, she brought her hands up and shot a jet of bright green light at him. This time it was no imitation, though. Simba's shield turned a much darker green as it dissipated the curse and died away, showing Simba still levitating, though his head was bent.
"Simba?" Lee asked worriedly, rushing over to him. Simba raised his head, his eyes closed for a moment before opening them and smiling.
"That," he announced, "Was amazing."
"You are kidding?" Leona demanded.
"No - it was amazing. I could see the structure of the spell - you know, there is an easier way to block it."
"Really?"
"Yeah - it's really not that strong a spell. It relies on the person thinking that it will work and that they will die - faced with a the knowledge that it is weak and easy to block, it is much less potent. Fear turns it into a killer."
"So what, we just have to believe that it won't kill us?" Ron asked in disbelief.
"Yeah - you believe that it is weak and then you can block it easily with an ordinary shield. It's really rather ingenious. You see, whoever built the spell knew its limitations - so they advertised it as 'unblockable', achieving what they needed to fuel the spell."
"But then why has no one but you survived?"
"Because no one has ever questioned the validity of the spell - I doubt whether even Tom has."
"So basically, what you're saying is that what everyone has believed for hundreds of years is wrong?"
"Exactly. I do believe we have just robbed dear Tom of his favourite weapon. Lee, I want you to cast Cruciatus on me."
"What? Why?"
"I want to see if it works on the same principle." Simba said, as if it ought to be blindingly obvious.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I am. Look, how bad can it be? If it works, that'll be the end of another of Voldemort's weapons, and if it doesn't, I'll be in a little pain. Think of it as practice in extending my pain threshold."
"Ok." Lee sighed, casting it. Simba watched in interest as the curse flew towards him. It seemed to be going a little slow. As he continued to watch, it stopped just before impacting. Frowning slightly, Simba put his hand through the beam of light, making it disappear. He looked up at Leona, who was looking rather stunned.
"Anyone know what just happened?"
"I think you slowed it down by looking at it." Remus said calmly, beginning to think that nothing would ever surprise him where Harry or Simba was concerned - he seemed to constantly break the fundamental rules of magic.
"Interesting. However, a little inconvenient. I guess I'll have to do this blind. Go ahead, Lee." This time, the jet of red light did impact with Simba, and he was lost for a moment in the sounds and colours of the spell. He watched in awe as the structure of the spell unravelled before him. It too relied on the victims belief that it would hurt them, though less so than the killing curse did.
"Simba, are you ok?" Leona asked, sounding worried.
"I'm fine. Both curses work in almost the same way - Cruciatus relies less on belief, but without the belief, it is much weaker and easy to counteract."
"Oh." Simba smiled as he stretched his muscles out.
"I'd better finish getting ready. I have to go and see Dumbledore before I leave - Lee, you don't mind taking my class, do you?"
"Of course not - as long as I get your room."
"Fine, but I'm keeping the office."
"Fair enough."
"Oh yeah - and I'm going to take one more DA class. Might as well put this information into practice. I'll need some sort of bind..." Simba mused aloud, looking thoughtful. His eyes glazed over for a second before he nodded sharply.
"Got it. Well? Are you four going to stand about all day doing nothing?" With that, he disappeared. Lee sighed, really wishing that he'd just walk like everyone else.
Harry frowned as he waited for the others to get ready to leave for Hogwarts - he wanted to get back as soon as he could so that he could do what he needed to do and leave as soon as possible.
"Come on, guys." He hissed.
"In a minute." Ron said, eyeing up one of Harry's swords while Hermione examined his bookcase. Remus was inspecting a his Spying Globe.
"Hey Harry, what's this?"
"That would be my first Christmas present from Lee. It shows me what people are doing. Look." Harry tapped the Globe and murmured Dumbledore's name. Colours swam within the glass sphere, focusing on Professor Dumbledore sitting at his desk, doing some paperwork. Remus' mouth dropped open.
"Isn't that kinda dangerous - don't they work both ways?"
"Usually, but I charmed this one so that it was only a one-way thing. Besides, if anyone looked into one and asked for Simba, they'd draw a blank. If they looked for me, they'd also draw a blank. I'm impossible to find because I can take on any identity I want." Harry explained. Remus nodded, looking impressed.
"Hermione, pick five books to take with you now, and Ron, have the sword - but if anyone else sees it, or if I hear that you've been using it to scare anyone, you'll find out what it feels like to be on the end of my sword. Remus, I'd give you the ball, but I'm afraid I have the feeling that I'll need it. Now can we go already?"
"Oh thank you Harry! Oh, which ones shall I take?" Hermione now looked spoilt for choice, and Harry groaned. He flicked his hand at the bookcase, and five books began to float towards Hermione.
"I think you'll like those." He said. "You can come and swap them with others if you want - just ask Lee to bring you. Here's the key to my room - please don't touch anything that glows - I don't think Gem would be too happy to see you. Not in the state you'd be in." Harry warned her, opening the door. "That goes for you too, Lee." He added quickly.
"Spoilsport."
Harry went straight to the headmaster's office as soon as they landed in Hogwarts - he had Tripped with the others to his office, before Tripping up to the headmaster's office. He found that Severus had just beaten him to it.
"Potter." He sneered.
"Professor Snape." Harry replied civilly.
"Harry, is anything wrong?"
"Several things. I will be leaving for a while tonight."
"You will?" Albus Dumbledore, one of the greatest wizards in living memory, was astounded that his youngest member of staff was telling him that he was leaving - not asking, but telling.
"May I ask why?"
"There was an attack on Lesea a few days ago - I'm going back there."
"How long will you be?"
"A year or so, I think."
"Excuse me?" Snape spluttered.
"Simba will be tied up with other things at the moment, and the Warrior children who are not of age need to be trained to defend themselves."
"Harry, we need you here. I am afraid I cannot allow you to leave."
"I'm sorry, Albus, but there is little you can do to stop me. Lee will take over my class, and Ron and Hermione can take over the DA for a few weeks - I may even get back a few times."
"Harry, I forbid you to go. I'm sorry, but it's for your own protection. Especially if Lesea is no longer safe." Harry cursed under his breath. The headmaster had to make things difficult. He nodded thoughtfully, wondering whether to tell the headmaster or not. He decided against it, and instead played along.
"I understand." He said, hanging his head. He could see Dumbledore smiling in relief, and knew that he had fooled him. Meanwhile, Severus wasn't quite so trusting, and tried Occlumency to see what was going on. He was incredibly surprised to come up against solid barriers. Harry rolled his eyes, pushing Snape forcefully out of his head. The Potions Master put a hand to his temple, wincing.
"Why don't you go back to your quarters?" Harry nodded, leaving without another word.
He did not go to his quarters, however, instead heading up to Gryffindor Tower.
"Harry? What's wrong?" Hermione asked, looking worried.
"Dumbledore has forbidden me to leave the castle." Harry replied in monotone.
"What? But..."
"I'm still leaving. If need be, I'll resign."
"Oh."
"Everyone! There will be a DA meeting in half an hour - usual place. I expect you all to be there."
"Yes Sir." Several people chorused. Harry nodded and strode out again, heading to the other houses to tell them.
Remus knocked lightly on the door to Tonks' quarters, before pushing the door open when he got no reply. Tonks was sitting on her bed, her eyes red and puffy from crying.
"You look awful." He muttered truthfully.
"Thanks." Tonks replied sarcastically. "How's Harry?"
"He...well...he seems ok."
"Seems ok or is ok?"
"Well...he didn't really say much. He's angry with everything. He just wants it over.
"What did he say?"
"Basically that he's sacrificed too much to lose."
"He's still going through with it then?"
"Yeah. I don't like it either, but it's something that he has to do - you heard the Prophecy - he needs to be prepared."
"I know! It's just...I can't bear the thought of losing him."
"It's a risk we all have to take - Harry will live through this just because he will not allow himself to die. You have to trust him."
"Is he still in Lesea?"
"No."
"He's gone already?" Tonks squeaked in panic.
"No..." Remus replied hesitantly.
"Where is he then?"
"He's...here...but he's leaving tonight."
"When?"
"After the DA meeting."
"There is no DA meeting tonight." Tonks frowned.
"There is now."
Simba sat on the desk in the Room of Requirement, chatting to a few of the Warriors he had invited to the meeting. He looked up and smiled as the Gryffindors arrived first, followed shortly by the Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs and the Slytherins that had decided to fight with Harry rather than against him.
"My Lord Mage." Dani and Rhia chorused, while everyone who was aware of his status bowed their head respectfully.
"Show some respects, fools!" Adam hissed.
"Minister." Simba growled warningly.
"Sorry Simba."
"Excuse me, Sir, but who are you?" Ernie asked nervously.
"Simba Tide - the Warrior Mage." As Harry had set a task for most of his classes on Warrior hierarchy, this sentence had much more of an effect on them than it had done before.
"You...you're the Mage?" Cho stuttered.
"Yeah - Harry asked me to lead this lesson - we made a rather interesting discovery recently." His words were interrupted by Remus and Tonks walking in.
"My Lord Mage. Apologies for interrupting." Remus said. Tonks avoided his gaze, instead looking at the assembled audience, scowling slightly at Eilidh.
"Hmm, as I was saying, Harry and I made a discovery. First of all, I would like you all to sign this contract - it means that you cannot tell anyone what you have heard tonight. This is a major triumph for our side, and if Voldemort was to find out, our advantage would be gone."
"Which side will benefit from this, My Lord, us or the Warriors?"
"We are one side, Miss Bones. This war is not solely a human affair, nor is it solely a Warrior affair. If we are to defeat Voldemort, we must work together. This means that if anyone has any prejudices against either humans or Warriors, I suggest you speak now so that we can either dispel any myths, or so that you can leave. I will not tolerate petty squabbles. Now, if you could all please sign the parchment."
Several hours later, the students of the DA left, chatting excitedly to each other. Hermione, Ron, Remus and Tonks waited behind as Simba talked to the Warriors. Slowly, the other Warriors began to leave, bowing their heads in respect.
"Hey." Hermione said, smiling a little.
"Hey." Simba replied, looking tired.
"Are you ok?" Remus asked.
"Yeah - just a little worn out."
"Maybe you should rest for a bit before leaving."
"No, I'll be fine. Lee, look after everything for me, ok? I've strengthened the wards, but...better safe than sorry, right?"
"Yeah - be careful, ok? Remember that I want my cousin back in one piece."
"I know." Simba nodded, hugging her tightly.
"How are you getting there?"
"I'm taking Elementa."
"Elementa?"
"My horse." Simba explained.
"Oh. You ride?"
"Yeah. Something I learned in Lesea."
"How long do you think you'll be?"
"Two weeks, I'd guess. I have a lot to do."
"What will you do if you find those responsible for the attack in Lesea?"
"Punish them." Simba said, not caring to elaborate further.
"Good. I'd come with you if I thought you'd let me." Leona said softly.
"I know, but someone has to keep an eye on things here - besides, re-educating wizards is important. I'll drop in occasionally." Harry kissed her cheek and sighed.
"See you." He said, his face grim. He disappeared moments later.
"Go look out of the window." Leona told the others. Out in the grounds they saw Simba galloping away on a jet black horse.
Tonks sighed as Simba/Harry rode away - she so wanted to stop him, to tell him that she loved him, but she knew that he wouldn't stay. She looked around to see Remus watching her sadly.
"What have I done?" She murmured sadly, placing a hand to her neck and toying with her engagement ring.
"It'll be ok." Remus murmured.
"Are you sure?"
"If Harry and Simba have anything to do with it, it will be. You have to trust him."
"I do. It's just Voldemort that I have a problem with."
Simba rode for several hours before reaching Voldemort's lair. Deep in the woods, he could feel the oppression in the air, and could taste the pain of the place. He slowed Elementa, taking the reins from his head.
"Stay out of sight and out of trouble. I'll call you if I need you, all right?" Elementa eyed his rider for a moment before tossing his head.
"Good boy. Go on then." Elementa whirled around and plunged deep into the forest, leaving Simba to pick his way through the undergrowth.
Soon, he reached a clearing. Deliberately walking into the middle of it, though he knew Deatheaters now surrounded him. Luckily, no Warriors were among them.
"Avada Kedavra." Someone hissed. Simba raised a hand and the green light fizzled away to nothing.
"Is that any way to treat a guest?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"What's your name? What are you doing here?"
"Simba Tide and I believe Tom is expecting me."
"Tom?"
"Oh yes, I believe he goes by the alias Voldemort."
"And give us one good reason why we shouldn't kill you."
"Well, even if you could, I think that you killing me would annoy your so-called master very much."
"And why would that be, Tide?"
"That's 'My Lord Mage' to you."
"My Lord Mage?" The Deatheater replied dumbly. Simba raised an eyebrow as Narcissa came running from out of nowhere.
"My Lord Mage." She said reverently, bowing low to him. The other Deatheaters watched in shock as Narcissa Malfoy, one of the highest ranking Deatheaters, did this.
"You stupid idiots! What were you thinking? Trying to kill the Mage?"
"He's a Mage?"
"Forgive them, My Lord Mage, they had no idea who you were."
"Perhaps. Then again, it is...displeasing that they felt the need to kill me." Narcissa paled as Simba paused, raising a hand. In a blink, he had pulled the Deatheater who had spoken the curse to him.
"If the thought of doing that again ever crosses your mind, I will have no qualms about ripping your throat out." He said softly. "I did not come here to have silly, useless hexes thrown at me. If that is the attitude of the Dark side, I believe that I will be offering my allegiance to the Light side - attempts to take my life get very old, very quickly."
"No! My Lord Mage, it will not happen again - I swear."
"Ah yes, but does your Master swear? Take me to him, and let us hope that he is not as foolish as his followers."
"Yes, My Lord Mage." Narcissa said, bowing once more.
Simba watched dispassionately as Deatheater's scurried around before him. Everyone seemed to be busy with something, and he grudgingly admitted that Voldemort's system seemed very efficient.
"He is just through this door, My Lord Mage." Narcissa said. "I will announce your arrival."
"Thank you, Narcissa."
And so, Simba stood before Voldemort.
"You have a lot of guts, coming into my home and refusing to bow to me." Voldemort hissed.
"And you are playing a dangerous game."
"Why are you here, Mage?"
"It's Simba, and I was...somewhat displeased at the attack on my people."
"This is a war, Simba, people get hurt."
"Of course. I do, however, believe that attacking Lesea was a rather bad move. Those who were sympathetic to your cause are less so now that you have shown open hostility towards them. As it is, you already have one severely vengeful Mage on your hands."
"What would you propose?"
"You leave Lesea out of your war, and I may help you - keep attacking my people and I will work against you."
"And if I refuse your terms?"
"I go on a killing spree when I leave this room - there is hardly a person in this entire forest who deserves less than death for their crimes."
"And if I accept?"
"I will leave your followers alone - reluctantly - unless they anger me personally. My people will receive their punishment either way. So, do you want me to work with you or against you?"
"You will refer to me as 'Lord' and will bow like any other of my followers."
"I bow to no one. As for calling you 'Lord', I cannot think of a more appalling thing to do - I do not force my rightful title on you, yet you seem content to force a title you gave yourself on me. I don't think so."
"You will call me your Master or you will die."
"At the hand of whom, exactly?"
"It does not matter, I'm sure that many Deatheaters would be willing to kill you."
"You underestimate me, Tom. And you seem to overestimate the abilities of your followers. I will show you the respect that you show me."
"Very well." Voldemort snapped. "I will call a meeting. I understand that you will not take the mark."
"You understand correctly. I shall go and punish my Warriors before the meeting."
"No, no. Wait until the meeting. I am sure many of my followers would appreciate seeing the Warriors punished."
"Which is exactly why I will punish them now, or after the meeting."
"Very well. I will call for your company later - I understand that you have information on Harry Potter."
"I may have." Simba said, walking out and shutting the door behind him. Voldemort's mouth curved into a cruel grin, his red eyes lit with malevolence.
"You may indeed, my little pawn."
Narcissa paced back and forth in front of the door, hoping that her Master would see sense and not anger the Mage.
"Calm yourself, Narcissa." The Mage said smoothly, his mouth quirking into a smile. Narcissa bowed her head, blushing slightly.
"Your Master did see sense...eventually." He said. "Though I doubt his sincerity." He nodded thoughtfully. "If you'll excuse me, Narcissa, I must teach my Warriors a lesson."
"Of course, My Lord Mage."
Simba approached Bradley and his Warrior cohorts, his face forced into a calm expression. The human Deatheaters turned to watch as he strode purposely towards them, oozing power and authority.
"You have five seconds to explain your recent actions." He said, stopping directly in front of him.
"My Lord Mage." They all said reverently, bowing low to him.
"Four." He warned.
"We don't know what you're talking about, My Lord." Bradley all but whimpered.
"Three."
"We swear, My Lord." Another pleaded.
"Two."
"Please, My Lord, whatever we have done -"
"One." This time there was silence - the Deatheaters began to back away from the scene, sensing a blow-up.
"Time's up. Now, would one you abysmally stupid idiots enlighten me as to the reasoning behind the attack on Lesea?" All five of the Warriors paled, but said nothing.
"Nothing? Do you realise what you've done?"
Again, silence.
"You have killed innocents - not just one innocent, but fourteen! Fourteen Warriors are dead because of your foolishness. Fifteen if you count my would-be assassin. Give me one good reason not to cut your heads off."
"We never meant to kill anyone, My Lord. Just scare them."
"And that makes it better?"
"We were following Lord Voldemort's orders."
"A human tells you to jump, and you say 'how high?'" He hissed, drawing his sword.
"He would have killed us, My Lord."
"Then you should have died, coward. Hold out your hands." They all did so, somewhat reluctantly. Simba sliced his blade into each palm, watching as blood welled around the wound.
"If I ever have to do this again, I will kill you without a second thought - and I swear it will be painful. Now get your sorry backsides out of my sight!"
Narcissa stood by the door, watching as Simba paced. Anger and power was radiating from him, and she was beginning to see how different Voldemort and the Warrior Mage were. Where he had shouted at his people, Voldemort wouldn't have hesitated to put them under Cruciatus Curse, or to kill them. He wasn't one for second chances, whereas Simba had given them just that.
"Are you going to stand there all day, Narcissa?" He said softly, bringing the woman out of her thoughts.
"No, My Lord Mage. Sorry."
"Why apologise? You have done nothing wrong - recently."
"I...I..." Narcissa frowned, pondering his question - on the surface, it was a very simple, seemingly innocuous question, but she got the feeling that there was much more to it than that - he was asking why she had allied with Voldemort and why she had not been participating in many recent Deatheater activities.
"I..." She trailed off as Simba smiled.
"Not everyone here is as they seem, Narcissa." He murmured.
"I don't know what you mean, My Lord Mage." She said, her voice betraying the fact that she was terrified. Simba ran a hand through his hair, revealing his lightening bolt scar. Narcissa gasped.
"Potter? What have you done to Simba?"
"I am Simba."
"You're mental, Potter, if Voldemort finds out..."
"He won't."
"He might."
"Narcissa, he needs me - the Warriors are bound to follow me, and are far too proud to take orders from him. Harming me in any way would kill any chances he had of having sympathetic Warriors. And having Warriors join the light side would ruin his chances of winning."
"Why are you here? You surely do not want to be here for the reason you say."
"I refuse to stand by and watch my people get killed because of a war that wasn't remotely connected to them. I refuse to let my people go unpunished for killing their neighbours on the orders of Voldemort. I am here to teach everyone that messing with me is a very bad idea."
"I see, My Lord Mage. If you will allow me...I would be honoured to help you."
"Thank you, Narcissa. I may take you up on that - now, if you'll excuse me, I have been invited to dine with your Master. Good night."
"Good night."
Simba sat at a table with Voldemort. He had rarely been as uncomfortable in his entire life, but it did not show. He ate a little of the meal, not really hungry at all. The food was laced with Veritaserum, and he was thankful that he had had the foresight to take the antidote.
"What is you're real name?" Voldemort asked, sipping at his goblet of wine.
"Simba Tide."
"I see. And why, exactly, are you here?"
"I have told you - I was angered by your foolish attack on my city - I am here to make sure you don't get any other remarkably stupid ideas."
"I see. And your information on Harry Potter?"
"He is a mediocre Warrior - not as promising as I had originally hoped. I am afraid to say that we don't get along too well. His training is going fairly well, though he has trouble with the theory of a lot of spells."
"Anything else?" Simba was about to say how Harry was a rather accomplished dueller when Snape strode in.
"My Lord! Harry Potter..." He trailed off, his eyes widening as he saw the Mage.
"Hello Severus." Simba said.
"My Lord Mage."
"I see you two are acquainted already. How did that occur?"
"We met in Hogwarts - I do, afterall, have to check on my Warriors from time to time - no matter how much they grate on my nerves."
Don't you dare contradict me. He warned Snape, receiving a small sharp nod.
"I see. Severus, what were you saying about the annoying little brat?"
"He's gone, My Lord. He left Hogwarts - the headmaster forbade it, but he left anyway."
"Did he say where he was going?"
He said he wanted to take a time-out - it seems that he is wearied by the training he is receiving on top of his other responsibilities. Simba said. Snape repeated this smoothly, quickly catching on to what Simba wanted him to do.
"I see. Was there anything else?"
Yes - it seems that Potter held an important meeting with his little group before he left - I tried to retrieve more information but it seems that Potter made them sign some sort of magical contract to stop anyone speaking of it.
"Indeed. Very well - go now, Severus. The Mage and I were in the middle of a rather important discussion." After a quick look at Simba, Severus bowed low and retreated.
Go and see Narcissa Malfoy - I will speak to you both when I am finished here. I am afraid you may be waiting a while.
Simba watched Severus' head incline slightly as he closed the door behind him.
"Well this does make things more interesting. Do you have any idea where the little brat will go?"
"I have a few ideas."
"Well?"
"I'd say that Lesea is a very strong possibility - or perhaps he is staying in the Muggle World - his fiancée has a flat of her own, does she not?"
"Fiancée?"
"Yes. Her name escapes me at the moment." Simba said, nausea rising within him - what if he went after Tonks?
"Bring her to me." He ordered in a cold voice.
"I am not one of your servants, Tom. I am here to stop you doing anything foolish - I will not do your dirty work. Besides, she has done nothing to me, I have no reason to do anything to her. She's an innocent."
"You Warriors care too much about innocents - just because they have done nothing to you personally doesn't mean that they haven't wronged others."
"Simply wronging someone surely does not mean that the person deserves to die."
"Muggles wrong humanity - according to many of your followers, wizards do great wrongs to magic. Why not kill those you believe to be inferior to you? Surely only then your race can flourish?"
"No race will flourish if they are alone in the world. A balance must be maintained."
"I see - so I have nothing to fear from you - you obviously have no aspirations of taking my place as leader of the world."
"If you ever become leader of the world then your position shall not be threatened by me."
"Glad to hear it - I'm afraid I must go now. Feel free to stay here - Marissa!" A dark skinned young woman came slinking into the room, smiling seductively at Simba before bowing low to Voldemort.
"Keep Simba company - you will do whatever he asks of you." He said, running a finger down her cheek. Simba saw what Voldemort did not - the repressed shudder of revulsion. He raised an eyebrow slightly, listening as Voldemort murmured in her ear. Two words were easily distinguishable with his above-average hearing: kill him. So that was how Tom wanted to play it, was it? Very well, if he wanted a war then Simba definitely wasn't one to disappoint. Marissa watched her 'Master' leave before settling into his seat, running her foot up Simba's leg.
"You're the Warrior Mage, aren't you?" She purred.
"I am." Simba replied, feeling her switch on a Veela-like attraction. Pity he was immune to it, really.
"Shall we...take this somewhere more comfortable. My Lord wishes for his guests to feel at home." She said, flashing him yet another smile. Simba was too busy looking at the haunted eyes that betrayed her soft and sultry tone of voice. 'I'll bet he does', he thought.
"That would be agreeable." He said, wondering how the woman had come to be here. She led him through a door to a room of incredible beauty, decorated with plush furnishings and rich colours. Marissa sat down on a couch, inviting him to sit next to her. When he did so, she immediately pounced on him, pressing close to him and pressing her lips to his. He gently pushed her away, watching confusion bloom in her eyes - he didn't think that anyone had ever rejected her before this, and she couldn't understand why he had refused her.
"But...but...you're supposed to sleep with me!" She blurted, looking hurt and scared.
"Sorry Marissa, but I'm not interested in you." He said softly.
"But...why?"
"One, I don't sleep around casually. Two, I definitely don't sleep with women I barely know. Three, I'm in love with someone else."
"Oh." Marissa suddenly changed tactics, tears welling in her big brown eyes. Simba caught the movement of her hand and a flash of silver as she produced a dagger and plunged it into his stomach. Simba pulled it back out snarling angrily - when would these idiots learn that it was definitely detrimental to their health to try to kill him?
"That was a very bad idea." He hissed angrily. Marissa looked terrified and began babbling, her eyes darting around, looking for an escape. Simba stood, pulling a pair of swords from thin air. He plunged one into her heart and slashed her throat with the other, killing her instantly.
"We protect innocents, punish the guilty and keep the peace." 'Deja vu', he thought wearily, muttering a spell to clean the blades before vanishing them. He left then, leaving her dead and bloody body behind him.
Severus paced around the room, waiting for Simba to return. Narcissa watched him passively, also waiting for the Mage to return. Both heads turned as the door slammed open, banging against the wall. Narcissa gasped as she saw the blood on his robes.
"What happened?" She gasped.
"Marissa happened. Your Master decided that he'd had enough of me. Pity he didn't get someone competent to kill me."
"Umm...what did you do?"
"I killed her." Simba said shortly. "I do not take kindly to assassination attempts - and I shall tell Voldemort that myself just as soon as I see him - or perhaps I'll wait until the next meeting."
"He's not going to be very happy with you, Harry." Narcissa said desperately. Snape's eyes widened comically, while Simba rolled his own.
"Uh oh - you didn't tell him?"
"'Cissa, there are five humans in the entire world that know - six now."
"Oops."
"Potter?" Snape said, looking utterly shocked.
"The one and only." Was Simba's dry reply.
"But...that's impossible."
"Why? Have you ever seen the two of us in the same room at the same time? Simba and Harry?" Snape frowned, trying to remember if he had.
"No. It was always either one or the other."
"Exactly. Now, if you'll give me a minute, I really should heal this wound before I black out." Simba turned from them, taking off his ruined robe and pulling off his shirt.
"Is there anything I can help with?" Narcissa asked timidly, worried at the extent of the injuries.
"No, I can do it myself, but thanks for offering." Simba sat down, closing his eyes and falling into a trance. Both of the others watched in astonishment as his stomach began to heal before their eyes. Soon, there was nothing but a tiny scar just above his navel, showing where the wound had been.
"Incredible." Snape murmured.
"Come on, I think I may have a little explaining to do." With that, Simba grabbed each of their hands and pulled them into his hidden rooms.
"Where are we?" Snape breathed, looking around in awe.
"My hidden rooms - this is where I come when I want a time-out. Time doesn't pass while we're in here." Simba explained, morphing back into Harry and clicking his fingers, dressing himself in his training clothes.
"How is that possible?"
"No idea, to tell you the truth." Harry replied with a shrug. He pulled a sword from thin air, weighing it up for a moment before nodding and beginning to walk away.
"Where are you going?" Snape asked.
"Training." Harry replied shortly, not stopping or turning. Snape and Narcissa glanced at each other before following him.
Harry was in the middle of his training session when he felt Leona Trip in. He wasted no time Tripping to her side, finding her looking particularly grim.
"What happened?" He asked as Narcissa and Snape skidded into the room, both out of breath and dishevelled.
"Do you want the bad news or the worse news?"
"Both."
"Tonks has left Hogwarts - and there has been another attack on Lesea - the very centre of the city."