Lucy beamed up at the gleaming white building, Gringotts - the place where they would learn more about this strange, hidden subculture within their own England. Though they hid it better, she could tell that both of her brothers were eager as well. She knew that Peter had not been able to explore more than the Alley and thus knew very little about the wizarding world. He did say that he had been tempted to buy some of the books - but it would look odd if he suddenly had money. She read the curse on the wall of the building and felt its power wash over her. She beamed it was good to know that her goods were well protected.
[Good Morn Guardian!] She greeted the door Goblin happily in goobligook. He blinked - obviously startled. Peter nodded to the goblin as well.
[Indeed, Greetings and Good Morn Guardian of Gringotts, we are due to morning tea with Elder Gripshok. May we enter?]
[Enter, Goblin Friends, the protection of Gringotts.] All three bowed their heads in acknowledgement and thanked him as they entered through the large bronze doors. Peter, having been to Gripshok's borrowed office before steered them to a side door and requested an escort to Gripshok. A young goblin, Griphook, was assigned to escort them to the office.
[Ah, Welcome to Gringotts. Please, hang up your cloaks and stay a while.] Gripshok indicated the cloak rack. Edmund took Lucy's cloak and hung both it and his own up. [Griphook, fetch some tea for my friends and tell Iargue that we are ready for him.] The younger goblin gave a low bow and scurried away. [Iargue Weasley is a Mage from a wizarding family. Apparently not only is the magical world separate from the non-magical world, but the wizarding world is separated from the rest of the magical world due to their close-mindedness. It is all too bloody confusing for me, Edmund should like it.] Edmund rolled his eyes.
[I am sure I will find the topic fascinating, however I doubt I will like it.] Gripshok chuckled.
[Perhaps not. You lot need your pouches and signets, correct?]
[Oh Yes. And can we visit the vaults? I wonder if my cordial got put in it.] Lucy sighed.
[No Lu, Caspian had it remember?] She pursed her lips, a frown creasing her brow.
[You're right of course. Drat.] Peter shook his head.
[It might have been placed in the main vault - I didn't think to look for it.] Lucy's expression brightened.
[Oh, hello! I am Lucy.] Gripshok chuckled as both kings of Narnia turned to see the red head in the doorway carrying a tea tray.
[Yes, and these two are Peter and Edmund. I'm going to abandon you to theses three harridans - enjoy.] Lucy pouted playfully.
[Are we really that bad?] He snorted.
[You and Peter are inquisitive and enthusiastic. He,] pointing at Edmund [is inquisitive and analytical and you're all bloody stubborn. Where's the Gentle when you need her? I'm sorry,] he said when their countenances fell. [I was just joking - not that you aren't what I said, but I oughtn't have brought up her ladyship. And the Mrs. is preparing dinner for this evening and wanted me home early. Forgive me.] Lucy's smile was sad but she rose and embraced him.
[It is all right Gripshok, Su's just a bit of a sore spot. Of course we forgive you - you meant no harm. And tell Ligria I am looking forward to her jenski pie.] He looked to the other two.
[It's fine Gripshok - We'll see you for dinner.] Edmund nodded at Peter's words and Gripshok nodded.
[The good day, Sires, Lady.] He gave a slight bow and left the room leaving behind a confused Weasley and three subdued Monarchs. Peter grinned wryly at Iargue.
[Well, I guess he brought us back to England.] Edmund and Lucy chuckled and shook their heads. [It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Weasley.]
"Ah, the pleasure is mine, I am sure. I have never seen a goblin so, friendly to humans before." He smiled ruefully, "Nor humans so fluent in Gobbligook - I only followed about half of that." Lucy smiled and Edmund shook his hand.
"I am not surprised. It is not the easiest of languages to pronounce, nor to listen to. Gripshok is a good friend of ours from home. As he said I am Edmund the inquisitive, analytical and stubborn."
"And I am Lucy the Inquisitive, enthusiastic and stubborn."
"And I am Peter - ditto what Lu said." The redhead sat in Gripshok's abandoned chair.
"And I am Iargue, not Mr. Weasley - that is my father and his seven brothers. A lot of family, true but it allows one's oddities to slip through the cracks. My family does not know I'm a Mage - I dropped out of Hogwarts, the wizarding school when I was 13 and took an apprenticeship at Gringotts at 16. They paid my way through Zarri, It is the main school for Magical Beings including Mages, elves, Goblins, Werewolves, vampires, Fae, and well, there are allot. Gripshok said that you yourselves are magical beings so you must be mages." The three exchanged glances.
"Actually," Peter began, "The only evidence that we are magical at all is our ability to enter the Leaky Cauldron." Iargue starred.
"But the goblins -"
"Were the bankers of the realm we call home which, despite being inhabited by magical creatures and beings such as Dwarves, Gryphons, Centaurs, Werewolves and Hags had no magic of the kind shown by the wizarding world." Peter drawled, watching the older man's reaction. He simply looked between the three, dumbfounded. "We were hoping there would be some way for you to tell if we were or were not." Iargue nodded.
"Alright. I can do that. I need three sheets of parchment." Lucy pulled a roll out of her satchel and slit it into three pieces with the dagger from her room. He placed his hand over each one and muttered under his breath in Latin. "Alright, each of you take a parchment and let a drop of blood fall on the parchment." They did as they were told - after all they easily understood what Iargue had muttered. It loosely translated to: Let blood tell of the powers of being. Each Parchment turned blood red and the faint echo of the Lion's roar was heard. The parchment faded leaving golden lettering:
Blessed Child of the King
Belief is Power
"Well?" Lucy asked he looked up at her.
"You are Magical - that wouldn't have done anything if you weren't. I've not heard of that response, but gold lettering means that you are extraordinarily powerful." All three were grinning.
"And that means what?" Edmund asked shrewdly.
"That you need training." Lucy beamed.
"We can go to your old school!"
"Not so fast Lu - we have need more information." Edmund turned to Iargue,"Does the school have an alias in the non-magical alias?"
"No, it has never been needed, why?"
"Hm, tell us more about the history and current situation of the magical realms." Edmund ordered, completely ignoring Iargue's question. With a frown the redhead did so. He described how there were born and made werewolves and Vampires, the born ones being magical and sane. How Made vampires lost their soul if they were non-magical and their magic if they were a wizard, though a Magical being would retain both. How non-magical werewolves did not usually live through their first transformation and that the wizarding ones went insane on the full moon. He told them of the Vampires Council of Lords, how each Lord ruled a clan and destroyed the renegades. Of the Werewolves Pack structure and how they were split into alpha and beta personalities.
Iargue then switched topics to the monarchies of the elves and fae. How the elves were divided by elements, earth air fire water shadow and light, each with its own visible characteristics. How the fae consisted of the high court - a combination of the selee and unselee sidhe who were the nobility. He told that it was the Sidhe who governed a large number of other species, including the Goblins, Centaurs and Banshee.
A goblin bought lunch in and he continued by describing the Wizarding world and its oppression of anyone different. Of Magical beings being thought of creature, of the abuse of brownies, the discrimination against werewolves, squibs - the children of magical parents without Magical ability. He explained the difference between mages and wizards as all beings have a magical core or spirit - non-magicals have no connection to that energy, wizards have a partial connection and can access it with strong emotion or a connector that is innately magical, and that mages have an open connection to the well of power. They listened, fascinated. They finished lunch during that explanation, which contained several clarifications due to Edmund's probing questions. Edmund looked ready to continue with more questions when Peter spoke up.
"That was an excellent overview - you should consider teaching. Now before Edmund drowns you in questions perhaps you ought to direct us to a location where we could gather some books to slate his thirst for knowledge and where Lu and I can immerse ourselves in the joys of magic." Iargue smiled gratefully.
"Of course. You've been to Diagon alley, there is no community of Magical Beings in England aside from Gringotts but we can go to the other side of Gringotts and Port to the Italian Gringotts. Rome is one of the largest communities of Magical Beings."
"Excellent. Lead on." The red head led them through a series of hallways to a large hall teaming with beings. Iarque gave a sidelong glance at the three, Lucy was grinning brightly, Edmund smiling softly and a confident smile graced Peter's face as they gazed out at the mix of races.
"This is the main hall, the foyer is where wizarding transactions occur. As you can see we cater to all races here. Lycans, Vampires, Elves, Magi, Dwarves-" he was pointing to each as he spoke and startled when a hand lowered his arm gently.
"There is no need to point. Your descriptions from before were most helpful. Shall we go?" Iarque nodded and went to the counter returning with a disk emblazoned with the Gringotts seal.
"Over here." He led them to a circle on the floor, "Hold on. Rome." A feeling of nothingness floated about them and they were standing in an identical circle. They heard a clip clop of hooves and Iarque watched them as they turned toward the centaur. To his consternation, there was no surprise, shock or other common reactions to the sight of a centaur. Instead Peter nodded.
"How are the stars?" The centaur met Peter's gaze then looked at each of the others – Iarque fidgeted when it was his turn. At last the bright gaze returned to Peter.
"The stars shine brightly. I am Seriatis." Peter nodded solemnly – Iarque was surprised, centaurs were very cautious with their names.
"I am Peter and these are mine kin – Edmund and Lucy." The two nodded solemnly to the centaur who frowned at Peter.
"Even the stars are hidden by clouds." He stated finally, nodding to the three sparing only a glance for Iarque.
"The clouds will not last forever." Peter replied steadily. Iarque saw Edmund nodding in agreement with Peter's statement. The centaur bowed slightly.
"As you will." Peter acknowledged the bow with a nod of his head and began walking toward the vaulted entrance. Edmund, offering his arm to Lucy followed with Iarque trailing behind, still confused about the meeting with the centaur. Deep in confusion he nearly ran into them standing just outside of the bank.
"Peter, we should find additional information, preferably books to purchase, before we explore Rome." The elder brother nodded as did his sister, though Iarque saw her look longingly out across the city.
"Iarque?" He looked up at Peter.
"Yes?"
"Where would you recommend for purchasing information – preferably a wide selection?" He fidgeted.
"Well, I kind of thought we could just meander about-" he stopped and looked at the girl who had laid her hand on his arm. She smiled at him.
"Come now Iarque, where do you normally shop?" A quick glance at her brothers revealed honest curiosity and he sighed.
"Well, there is a good second hand bookshop a few alleyways down-"
"Excellent." The girl latched onto his arm and started walking down the steps. "Which way?"
"Um, the right." He took the lead, slightly bewildered.
"Now what were you saying about the bookshop?" Edmund asked from behind. Iarque shrugged.
"Just that is run by my classmate's uncle." Lucy squeezed his arm and beamed up at him.
"What is your school like?" He grinned back.
"Beautiful. You know the legend of Hercules?"
"Of course."
"It's the same school, only he went to the nonmagical side – despite his heritage he didn't have any magic of his own. Anyway the school is an ancient campus built of marble and covers an entire island. The island is hidden from everyone who isn't keyed into the wards. Only students, alumni and teachers are keyed in." he grinned at them. "Here we are." They had stopped in front of large double doors, the dusty window to one side advertized "Nesting Books" in faded copper lettering. He pushed open the door. "Rosin?" he called as they followed him into the interior of the building. Polished wood floors and a spiral stair up to a loft were visible in addition to the shelves, tables, chairs and stacks of books everywhere.
"Iri?" Iarque grinned at the croaking voice and looked up at the loft where rustling sounds and clicking on the wood followed by a beaked head appearing over the rim.
"I've brought visitors." He turned to them, again surprised by their lack of reaction. Peter nodded to the owner.
"Wind beneath your wings, Gryphon Rosin" The gryphon clicked his beak approvingly and with a leap drifted down to join them.
"Well said friend. May it carry you to your aerie at the day's end."
"When the aerie is lost a new must be found and both the knowledge and the counsel of the wise is required." Iarque blinked at Edmund as Rosin clucked approvingly.
"You speak wisely, young one. Your friends are welcome here." Iarque nodded dumbly at the gryphon.
"Thank you elder Rosin, for your hospitality." Lucy replied for him, still holding his arm. Rosin clucked and turned toward the back of the store.
"Francis, Come." The soft pitter-patter of the faun's hooves elicited a gasp from the girl on his arm, he looked down. The girl's tearfilled eyes were fixed on the approaching faun, but a soft smile graced her face. A quick glance showed that both of their brothers were watching her.
"Is something wrong?" Francis asked, his puzzlement clearly audible. Lucy shook her head, dropping Iarque's arm.
"Nay. It is just that you remind me of a very dear friend who passed away some time ago." Lucy wiped at the tears and Francis stepped closer.
"I am sorry."
"Oh, no! please do not be. Tumnas lived to a good old age, I just miss him." She gave a slight laugh. "We used to dance the moondance and he taught me to play my pipes." Francis smiled uncertainly.
"He was a faun then?" That caused Lucy to look up at him.
"Oh, of course!" Edmund chuckled.
"He was indeed. And one of the finest people I have ever met, and very forgiving." Peter laughed, despite his brother's pensive look.
"Especially when teaching us blundering idiots the Asrin reel!" the three laughed at that – so did Francis.
"Did you learn it? I cannot imagine a human dancing it."
"Oh yes!" exclaimed Lucy. "It is my favorite, but the others," she tossed a look at her brothers, "Well – it took them a while." Francis grinned with the girl and Iarque couldn't help shake his head amused – not that he knew what the 'Asrin reel' was but he'd seen fauns dance and couldn't imagine a human managing it. Rosin's beak clicked as he chuckled. Francis looked up at his employer sheepishly.
"Sorry," the gryphon shook his head.
"It is fine. Perhaps Iri will introduce his friends to us?" Iarque blushed.
"Ah, of course. Rosin, Francis, these are Peter, Edmund and Lucy." The gryphon nodded his beaked head.
"It is my pleasure to meet you. Few people respect the old customs. Welcome to the Nest."
"Thank you Elder Gryphon. We appreciate your hospitality. We have a desire to learn more of the history of magic and possible seek tutelage in the magical arts." The gryphon appeared to be measuring Peter's worth as he gazed at him. Iarque blinked, he would not have been able to withstand Rosin's scrutiny the way Peter was.
"Hm, what species are you? You appear human."
"We are sons of Adam and daughters of Eve." Peter replied steadily. Rosin clicked his beak twice.
"We shall brose this section." Peter followed the Gryphon with his brother beside him, Iarque glanced back as he followed to see Lucy roll her eyes and take Francis's arm heading toward a different section of the store.
They returned to Gringotts much latter and after seeing them out Iarque collapsed onto a chair in the break room.
"Iri, what's wrong?" He looked up at his friend, Salia then slumped in his chair with a sigh.
"Nothing. I've just had an exhausting day." He glared at her when she snorted.
"Exhausting? I thought you were just giving a tour?" she was playing with her long blue hair and he rolled his eyes at the elf.
"I was. A tour of the magical world. Some foreign ragnok asked for someone familiar with the wizarding and magical worlds to orient some customers – friends of his. Three kids, least that's what they looked like."
"What makes you think they weren't?" He sat up an looked at her.
"Have you ever met a human that spoke perfect gobbligook?" She frowned then shook her head.
"No. I know a few elves and fae that speak it – but they've had a lot of practice."
"These three do, not only that, but they are friends with this ragnok – they're going to his house for dinner." Now she was giving him a really weird look.
"You're sure?" He nodded.
"Yep. And get this – I took them to Rome," she groaned. "Yeah, I know should have been cultural overload – right?"
"Should have?" She asked uncertainly. He nodded.
"Should have. First person we met was a centaur named Seriatis, yes," he replied to her disbelieving look. "He came right out and introduced himself after Peter asked about the stars – they chatted about stars and clouds for some reason, and get this – he bowed, just a little but definitely bowed to Peter."
"Bowed? Centaurs don't bow to anyone."
"I know that, but he did, he also said 'as you will' when he did it – I don't know why."
"Alright – you'll have to tell me the whole conversation later – what happened next?"
"Well we went to Rosin's. Peter greeted Rosin 'Wind beneath your wings' then there was something about aeries and loosing them that I didn't follow then Francis showed up and Lucy started crying."
"Lucy?" Selia's voice was confused.
"Oh, there names are Peter, Edmund and Lucy. 20, 15 and 13 – I think." Selia nodded. "Well she's smiling and crying – Francis apologizes, but she refuses saying nothing is wrong – apparently she had a good friend that was a faun who died not that long ago. After we went off to get some books – those two wandered of chatting. And guess what."
"What?" she asked, her voice full of disbelief.
"On the way back here Lucy goes and says Francis invited them to the Midwinter revel – and that I'm invited, as their 'friend'."
"Humans. At a faun revel." She asked, he nodded. "You're sure?" Iarque nodded.
"Yep. We're to meet here and portkey to the revel on the 21st."
"You have had an exhausting day. They sound like interesting people, where are they staying?"
"The Leaky Cauldron. But they're heading underhill shortly." She shook her head slightly.
"Okay now to go over this again what exactly did they say to the centaur?" Iarque groaned – she was going to make him relive the entire thing.