I woke up to the soft glow of dawn passing through the windows of my chamber. I heard birds chirping outside of my window, perched on the railings of the balcony. I can hear a few servants giggling outside of my chamber, probably dusting the furnitures throughout the hallway. I stretched my arms and rubbed my eyes, before swinging my legs over the side of my bed and stood up, feeling the plush carpet underfoot.
Seems like I woke up early, and Emily has not yet come to my room. I picked up the pocket watch on my nightstand, and checked the time. I woke up 2 hours earlier. I went to bed as usual yesterday, so I'm grateful that I feel refreshed this morning.
I walked to the window, enjoying the feel of the plush carpet rubbing against my feet. Opening the window and staring down, a few knights of the kingdom are doing some heavy lifting. I can see my father's personal knight leading the exercise. Seems like the day starts earlier for our subordinates.
I picked up the dresser's chair and sat in front of the window, taking in the view of King's City. The palace is built on a small hill, so we can get the view of the whole city from the palace. As I enhance my view with magic, I can see the Main Street already bustling with activities, with a lot of porters transporting goods to the stores on the street.
I can see men and women opening their store as children and adults of their household sweeps the autumn leaves off their store fronts and greets their neighbours. The shop owners of this city usually lived in a two- or three-storey home, where they made the ground floor their store.
The traders are not the only ones living in the city though. Moving my eyes towards the left I can see the Craftsman's lane, connected to the Main Street through a few alleyways. Many blacksmiths and their apprentices are heating up their furnace, readying themselves to fulfil the orders for weapons and farming equipments from throughout the kingdom.
To the right of the Main Street is the Riverside district, where most of the weavers open their store. I can see porters dropping large piles of wool on their storefronts. Autumn is a busy season for them, as demands for clothing increase dramatically as people prepares for winter.
There is a port and a large warehouse district by the river, where most of the goods throughout the kingdom passed through. There are also other districts that surround the castle, but those can't be seen from my room. Seeing the people happy brings me calm. My parents have been a good ruler, and I'm glad.
Thinking about my parents, I reminisced of the talk I had with my mother a few days prior.
The Function Hall's Terrace was a spacious and elegant outdoor area, complete with plush seating arrangements and a breathtaking view of the palace's vast gardens. The terrace was adorned with fresh flowers and greenery, and the soft fragrance of roses and jasmine permeated the air.
My mother sat on one of the plush chairs, dressed in a regal gown of deep burgundy velvet. Her long blonde hair was styled in loose waves. Her posture was straight and dignified, her gaze fixed on the scenery before her.
I sat on the chair right beside her. Having just finished my lesson with Barov, I'm dressed quite plainly; making me feel quite inadequate when my mother is fully dressed.
Maids stood nearby, ready at their call to attend my mother and mines' needs. Emily held a silver tea pot, pouring steaming liquid into delicate china cups. My mother's chief maid, Marie, held a tray of dainty finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
My mother and I sipped our tea in silence, enjoying the serene atmosphere and the beauty of the gardens. It soothes my soul and mind after the heavy discussion I had with Barov. The only sounds were the soft chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.
"What gets you in a foul mood, my Sunshine?" Mother asked.
I think on what I should say to my mother, and decided to just be truthful. "I've just learned the Church's core tenets with Barov today." I replied.
Her brows creased. She then looked around, and observed the maids attending us. She then looked at me and said "I see. And I take it that you have… problems with the tenets?"
"… I do." I replied after a bit of hesitation. "The tenets feels very centered around the church and its teaching. There's also the tenet regarding witches that I found… concerning." I added, concern escaping my mouth.
She nodded to my replies, before putting down her cup of tea. "Come here." she said, while tapping on both her laps.
I acquiesced to her request, stand up and sat on her lap. I can feel her more pronounced stomach, and tried to not put too much weight on my back so that mother won't be uncomfortable. She then hugged me anyway, and continued with our talk.
"It's good that you can see the problems with the Church's tenets, Harry." She said, calling me by my nickname. "Many of us in the palace are wary of the Church. They have been subtly plotting against the other kingdoms to increase their influence, and they have been trying with our kingdom as well" She added.
After a short pause, she continued. "I also find the prosecution of the witches to be wrong and unjust. The Church never even questioned the supposed witches before burning them on a pike. And despite the Church trying to demonify the witches, I cannot found anything condemning about them. They are usually young, innocent children who just happens to have supernatural power."
After another pause, she continued, but this time in a more sorrowful tone. "We have tried to protect these witches, your father and I, but there is only so much we can do. The Church are very ingrained to the public, and they believe every words the Church tells them. They will immediately go to the Church and report any witches they found. The Church also demands that a cardinal is present when we are passing judgement to them, though there are occasions when they don't."
Her speech took a more hopeful tone. "However, there are exceptions. Marie." She said. I looked at Marie. She smiled, bowed and reached for her pocket. She then took out a Divine Stone of Judgement, a mineral with bluish colour. I was always wary of the stone, as it's like a black hole that sucks magic from its surrounding. My eyes widens when she put down the minerals and release it, as for the first time in this world, I can sense a magic core in other person. Her magic core seems different than mine, though.
She then morphed into a cat.
"As you can see, Marie here is a witch. And while I believe you won't tell on her, I need to remind you to be careful of this knowledge as it can bring harm to not only her, but to us as well." She said.
I gaped. My mother had gone to great lengths to protect these witches from the church.
"H… How did you hide her from the Church?" I stammered, still shocked with the revelation.
"She's not the only one, you know. We have a few other witches under our employ." She said while rubbing my head, which soothes my mind. "As I have said, not all executions will be witnessed by the Church. We just present a criminal with same features as the witch to the church and claim that she is the witch they have heard of. They can't really differentiate the reports from the real person." She replied.
She then holds both my shoulder. "While this is the best we can do, you can do more. The church keeps their eyes on us, but not on our children. If you act like you believe their teachings, you are free to do whatever you want, and the church won't care. You can protect the witches this way." She said.
"I… Thank you." I said.
She chuckled before replying. "What are you thankful for? I'm just doing my duty to my citizens."
"I know, but still… thank you." I said again.
She chuckled again and rubbed my head gently. "You're welcome." She whispered into my ear.
Her speech have sparked hope in my heart. Maybe, people can realise that the Church's word are not true, and the witches are not demons. My mother had proven to me that having magicals living amongst the muggles might not be impossible after all.
I now have a goal to achieve.
"Anyway," She chirped. I turned around to look at her, and saw her gave me a savage grin, not matching her usual calm and serene smiles. Dear lord.
"I've invited the new Finance Minister to have a tea with us. I think he needs to loosen up a bit. Don't you think so too?" She said, that grin not leaving her face.
I think on her words for a moment, before adopting a grin as well, probably the same as what mother is having on her face. We are mother and son, after all.
"I understand, mother." I said conspiratorially.
We chuckled devilishly as we plan our 'mission', the happy and calm atmosphere we had before turned sinister. The maids sent wry smiles at our directions.
I smiled as I remembered our talk. I've always known that my parents are great people, but they went even further than what I thought they would for what they believe is right.
I am proud of them.
I heard my chamber's door opening. Instinctively, I spread my magic throughout my chamber. I calmed down when I felt her presence.
"Oh, you're already awake, Har- my Prince?" Emily asked.
I noticed that, but I just ignored it. She will relent with time and just call me Harry.
"Yup, woke up early today. How are you today, Emily?" I asked.
She smiled and rubs my head. "I'm feeling wonderful today. Thank you." She thought for a bit, before adding, "You know you can just use your magic around me, right?"
I stilled before immediately spun around to look her in the eyes. "What are you talking about?" I feigned ignorance.
She chuckled. "You don't have to hide it from me. I can see you use your magic just now. I have also walked in on you practising you magic a few times before. I have never met a male witches before, and you have just proven that they exists, my Prince." She paused, before adding with a stern tone. "You need to be more careful when you use your magic. Make sure you lock the door before using them. Not everyone in the palace is our ally after all".
She can see my magic? I'll ask her about this. Anyway, it made sense to have witches guard me, as they have the surprise factor when I am in danger, which means my siblings' chief maids are probably witches as well.
I gave a wry smile to her before sitting down, sighing. "Well, you got me. I'll be sure to be more careful in the future." I said, before asking the question in mind. "How did you 'see' my magic before? Since you mustn't have had any formal training before, that should be quite tough to do, right?" I asked, curious as to how she discover her talent with this branch of magic.
She tilted her head sideways, seemingly not understand my question. "What do you mean? When I awakened my magical ability, I instinctively know how to use it. It must be the same for you as well, right? You had seen Marie transform into a cat previously, and other maid-witches have their own special abilities as well. My ability is to see those that is unseen, such as magical energy, and can even see in the dark. What about yours, my Prince?" She counter-asked me.
Now it's my turn to tilt my head in confusion. "You mean everyone have their own specialties? Can't they do anything else with their magic?"
"We can't really do magics other than our specialties, though I have seen other witches flare their magic like what you did before, usually under extreme emotions." She replied.
"I see." is my reply. At least it seems they can control their magic, which means they will be able to use their magic outside their specialties. Seems like I can try teaching them my brand of magic.
"I don't really have any specialties, I can just use my magic." I stated.
She nods in understanding. "That makes sense. Your core is perfectly spherical, after all. Try to see my core with your ability, my Prince" She said.
I focused my magic into where her core is located. It is transparent, different from how I am used to seeing cores from my past world. Thinking back Marie's core also have a tail. Emily's core then flared up and become very visible. Looking into her eyes, they are now shining a bright blue colour.
"As you can see, cores develop special features reflecting the witches' abilities once they are awakened." She explained to me.
I nodded. This means I have not awakened my special abilities, If I even able to. I thought of a good idea.
"Why don't I try and teach you how I use magic? Maybe you will be able to do it as well?" I asked.
She thought on my suggestion, before she smiles and nods. "Let's do that. I look forward to learning from you, my Prin-" I put my hand on her mouth before she finishes that sentence.
"We're about to be fellow students in the way of magic, so you should just address me as Harry in private." I stated.
"Shouldn't I show more respect to you now, like calling you 'teacher' or 'master'? You will be teaching me, after all." She asked. Why are you so reluctant on calling me Harry?
"No need to be formal. We are fellow witches after all, we need to stick together." I added, hoping she will buy my excuse.
She pondered a bit before replying, "I can do that. Let me start again then. I look forward to learning from you, Harry." She said with a smile.
I smiled and gave her a hug. "I look forward to our lessons, Emily." I said, my face smothered on her bosom.
She chuckled and returned my hug. After a few seconds, we let go of each other.
"Anyway, let's get you dressed for the day, Harry. The king asked me to tell you that Duke Edmund of Clearwater Port will be arriving today around afternoon." She told me. I sighed. Seems like today is the day where I have to dress up.
"Can you at least pick up an attire that is comfortable?" I asked.
"Well, there's some that is appropriate for receiving royal guests, so I can pick one for you" She shrugged. "What kind of designs should I look for?" She asked.
"Just plain and simple, please." Is my reply. She rolled her eyes.
"You and your 'plain and simple' dresses…" She mumbled under her breath. I pretended I didn't hear that.
As morning become afternoon, I am called once more by Marie, my mother's maid. Seems like Duke Edmund have just passed through the city's gate, and is making his way towards the palace.
I am now walking towards the Guest Room followed by Emily and Marie, where Royal guests are usually hosted. I am dressed in a charming outfit that reflected my age. I am wearing a white button-up shirt, paired with soft, comfortable navy blue trousers that allowed me to move freely.
On my feet, I am wearing a pair of brown leather shoes with laces, ensuring a snug and secure fit. A matching brown leather belt with a shiny silver buckle completed the outfit, adding a touch of refinement to my attire.
"By the way, Marie," I decided to make an offer to Marie. "Would you like to join me at the study room in the library this evening, along with Emily?"
Silence followed my query. As we continue to walk on, I greeted the maids and butlers who are moving around, preparing the palace for receiving the guest.
After a few minutes of silence, Marie replied. "I'd love to join you later, my Prince."
"Wonderful". Since Marie is mother's chief maid, I'd love it if she is able to defend my mother and herself in case of an attack. I'd like to teach Emily and her the art of duelling, and while I still can't get my hands on wands (I haven't found any magical creatures whose parts can be made into wand cores), learning spell casting this early will beneficial.
Some might say wands are crutches and it is better to do wandless magic from the beginning, but I believe it will be a crutch if it is used all the time. Imagine that your magic as a bullet and your wands a gun. It wouldn't make much sense to fire bullets with a bare hand during battle.
I will have our training done without wands and reserve wand use during battles, where it will be helpful in amplifying the effects of magic. However, I'll still need to be mindful to train with wands once in a while lest we forget about them in real battle.
As I reached the designated guest room, I can see maids and butlers moving around, preparing the room for its temporary residents. The palace's guest rooms are grand and ornate chambers, designed to impress and accommodate even the most important and discerning guests. The room was divided into two sections, with the first serving as a receiving area and the second as the bedroom itself.
The receiving area was spacious and open, with high ceilings and ornate tapestries adorning the walls. A large stone fireplace dominated one wall, casting a warm glow throughout the room. A sturdy wooden table with benches was situated in the center of the space, providing a place for guests to enjoy refreshments and engage in conversation.
Beyond the receiving area was the bedroom, a private sanctuary for the guests to retire to at the end of the day. The bedroom was spacious and elegantly decorated, with a large four-poster bed dominating the space. The bed was adorned with fine silk sheets and a thick down comforter, providing warmth and comfort during the chilly medieval nights.
A pair of high-backed armchairs were arranged near the fireplace, providing a cozy spot for guests to relax and read or enjoy a cup of wine. A carved wooden chest at the foot of the bed provided storage for clothing and other belongings, while a small writing desk with a quill pen and inkwell provided a space for guests to write letters or notes.
The bedroom was adorned with intricate carvings and ornate frescoes, with richly colored tapestries hanging from the walls. The room was also equipped with a washstand, complete with a basin and pitcher for washing up before bed.
As I entered the room, I can see mother overseeing the preparations of the room.
"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with your father and receive the Duke with him?" She asked.
I shrugged. "I'm just a young boy, so it wouldn't look weird if I join in with you later."
She nodded. "Well, that's true. Since you are here, why don't you help me?"
"Sure, what do you need me to do?"
"Can you quickly go to the kitchen and ask them for the assortment of fruits I ordered three days ago?"
I nodded. "Sure can, I'll be right back." I proceed to walk briskly towards the kitchen.
"Be careful!" I heard mom shouts.
"Okay!"
After about an hour, we are done with the preparations. I walk with my mother, Emily and Marie in tow, towards the palace's receiving room, located right by the main entrance. Duke Edmund have just arrived, and is currently in the room with my father.
As we are walking, I heard a feminine voice giggling from the central garden. Peering towards the garden, I can see a girl with flowing blonde hair skipping around in the garden, seemingly chasing the butterflies in front of her. I can briefly see the maids attending to her, their giggles also reached my ears.
'That might be the Duke's daughter' I thought. Doesn't look that eccentric to me. She behaves just as any normal child would, so I can't really see anything weird about her for now.
As we arrived to the room, I did a quick check at my attire and my appearance using the mirror by the entrance, my mother checking hers by my side. When we are done, She proceeds to knock the door before we enter the room.
The palace's receiving room is a spacious chamber, adorned with ornate tapestries, gilded mirrors, and intricate marble columns. Plush velvet armchairs and sofas were arranged in groups throughout the room, providing comfortable seating for guests as they waited to be received. A large crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, sparkling with the light of a hundred candles.
My father and the Duke is sitting in one of the seatings, my father sitting on the armchair, while the duke sits on the sofa. They seemed to be conversing with each other.
"Good afternoon, my Duke." My mother gave her greetings to him. "I hope your journey her have been pleasant."
"Good afternoon to you as well, your highness." He greeted my mother. "Thankfully our journey was uneventful."
My mother tapped my shoulder, prompting me to do my greetings as well.
"Nice to meet you, my Duke." I started. "I am Harold Wimbledon, and I am honoured to make your acquaintance." I finished my greetings.
He chuckled, before giving me a smile. "Nice to meet you as well, my Prince. You've got your decorum perfectly, and I am very impressed." His smile turned wry. "I just hope my daughter can get along with you well."
I chuckled. "I am sure we can, I just saw her playing in the central garden."
"I sure hope so."
My father decided to interrupt our conversation. "Anyway, why don't you go and meet her? We'll bring Duke Edmund to his room." He said, pointing towards himself and mother.
"Then I will go and give my greetings to her." I responded, before turning to the Duke. "I hope you have a good stay, and wish you a good day, my Duke."
After receiving a smile and a nod from him, I turned around and exits the chamber, making my way towards the garden.
As I entered the garden, the first thing that caught my eye is the magnificent fountain at its center, carved from white marble and depicting a group of cherubs frolicking in the water. The sound of its bubbling water provided a soothing background noise that blended with the twittering of birds and rustling of leaves.
Paved walkways meandered through the garden, inviting visitors to stroll and enjoy the sights and scents. At strategic points, small stone benches were placed, offering a place to sit and contemplate the natural beauty around them.
I looked around and saw the girl sitting on one of the stone benches. As I approached her, I noticed her appearance.
She gave off a familiar presence.
She have a long, straight, and wispy blonde hair that was a bit unkempt, framing a face that was small and round. Her eyes are a strikingly bright and vivid blue, appearing even more prominent due to her small face.
Her face held a dreamy and contemplative expression, giving her a thoughtful and introspective look. She was humming a cheery tone while reading a book I have not recognised, upside down.
I am having a deja vu moment right now. This is just like when I first met-
"Hi Harry!" She chirped jovially in an ethereal tone of voice. "It's been a while since I last seen you. How have you been? I can see a few nargles floating around you now, so better be careful." She added, sounding aloof as she speak.
Bloody hell, this girl is Luna!
Hi all, Pong here! Here's chapter 3. I've decided to introduce Luna in this chapter. I've planned on adding a few other HP characters as well, up to another 4 of them. Instead of having Harry doing all the hard work, I plan to have him split his responsibilities with the other HP characters. This should allow Harry to focus on what he is good on. Witches are also introduced in this chapter to give Harry a goal to work towards. Do give me a feedback on this chapter! moving on, thank you for the comments on the previous chapters! I'd like to address them here:
hirsya1216 and WerewolfXZ: I'll be referring to the novel when writing this, as I am more familiar to the novel, and it is completed. There will be humors (or my attempt at one), especially in the early chapters, but I will respect the situation and add in humors where I feel appropriate. And I agree, the later chapters get really weird and feels rushed, which is one of the motivation I'm writing this. I have 2 main goals for this story:
1. Make magic more important in the story. While they will still help with technological advancements (and more, Wizarding World magic is very versatile after all), they will also play more role from strategic viewpoints. I have a few battles/skirmishes in mind where it will be purely magical.
2. Address some (if not all) plot holes in the story, especially that one threat the author just forgets about. Fleshing them out should add a whole other dimension to the battles later, so I'm looking forward to writing that part. I'll try to address the other plot holes where I can. I also can't remember exactly how it ends, as I feel the ending really destroy all that buildup from the beginning, and just decided to forget the ending ever exist and mark the novel as 'eternally in-progress' in my mind. I'll use WW magic system as the core of magic in this world with a few twists, and address the ruins and stuffs another way (I have a few ideas how, but I'm not telling for now hehe).
Perseus12: Thank you! I hope you will enjoy this story :D
A Heads up, for those who enjoy reading on WebNovel, I've uploaded there as well!
That's it for now, and until next chapter! Cheers!