Disclaimer: I don't own it; just having a go at fanfiction to see if I can em-provvvee my Eeng-lish.
Dreamer's Note: No, I won't call myself an author. Every half an hour before I sleep, I'll have some idea popped up in my mind before I drift away in my slumber. Sometimes, I wrote and deleted paragraphs after paragraphs just to suit my plot in the future of the story. I'm not very good at writing a poem or such thing, so mostly when witchcraft is mentioned in my story, I'll just say, some verses were chanted or the incantation was there, but not the thing itself. Bear with me.
The True Journey of Harry Potter
Chapter 14 – The quest part 2
Light wind breezed around the confrontation of Harry Potter with an unknown entity. The little girl who looked no older than the boy himself was standing with arms spread wide smirking. Meanwhile, our little hero was having a hard time trying to think of a way to get pass the girl in front of him.
Several possibilities passed through his mind. Harry looked at her keeping eyes contact and slowly took out his wand. The girl raised her eyebrows, but stood still.
Harry pointed his wand ahead, but avoided the girl. He did not want to seem offending her, after all. 'Volare Promotum,'(1) Harry thought feeling his body lifted above the ground and rapidly moved passed the girl in front of him. Non-verbal casting was one of the hardest practices Harry had to endure when he was staying in Avalon. It took him quite awhile, but he managed it at last, at least to his Grandma Morgana's satisfaction. It also did not hurt that being able to cast non-verbally would be an advantage that people would underestimate him. He would not try it in front of normal magical community, but in this faraway land of Himabhanta forest, he did not care a bit.
Once he landed, Harry turned back to the girl and bowed mockingly. The girl seemed shocked and pouted. "You little trickster, cheater, insufferable human being," she said. "Fine, you passed my bridge. Now, off you go. Leave my sight!"
Harry gave her a smile, "Thank you, Honor Nymph."
As soon as Harry's words left his mouth, the girl in front of him had a smile on her face and her body started to change. In a flash, in the place of a girl, there stood a beautiful woman with brown hair and dark green eyes. A coronet made of leaves and vines was on her head. "Young magic user, you are wise and tricky just like your ancestors. Go on with your journey. I bless you good luck. The forest shall bring you no harm."
Harry gave one final courtesy bow and turned to his own path.
-o0o-
While Harry was having his last words with the Nymph, there was another talk in another part of the forest.
Shimpli, an outer ward of Himabhanta, had varieties of landscape. It was mainly a tropical jungle with some parts of mixed forests and grove woods. There were some mountains and hills in the middle of the land. On the highest mount was where the talk occurred.
Krulo, the leader of the guardians of Shimpli was examining the ward as he noticed that someone had just set foot on his boundary. As he was about to send his usual inquiry of the trespasser, he was stopped by a sudden appearance of the one person he had never thought he would meet again.
"Master Fane!" shouted Krulo, "what a surprise!" Then, he frowned slightly. "Was it you that activated the ward, Master?"
"Krulo, my dear young bird," Master Fane smiled while greeting. He lowered himself on the ground and his white wings folded. "I am sure I did not just trip you ward since I have been in Shimpli for a few days already and you haven't come to confront me for the whole time I was here."
"Then, please excuse me for a moment, Master," the garuda said with haste. "Someone just cross the border line of the stream and I'll have to check."
Master Fane raised his hand to stop the birdman. "I know who it is, Krulo. And I assure you that the person had permission to be here, but I want your welcoming to be the last before he crosses your border to Naraj's."
"If you say so, Master," came the reply from the guardian. "May I know who it is?"
"Ah, that would be telling," Master Fane smiled mysteriously. "I shall take the responsibility of this person until the end of the road."
"The road?" asked Krulo astonishingly, "as in the Path to the Palace? Master, whoever it is, I am so sorry for him."
"Well, he just passed Honorable Nymph," the mysterious Master Fane said. "And she has blessed him. So, the forest is not a problem for him. Actually, that changes a few of my plan for the boy. I'd better get going then. So long, Krulo!" with that, Master Fane spread his wings and flew away turning invisible in progress and in a flash, he was out of sight.
Krulo just stood stunned at the master's leave. Master Fane was such a myth to all. The only thing Krulo knew of the man apart from being a very strict, but kind teacher, was that he was very powerful, came and went as he pleased and even His Majesty the King Devanate looked up at him with great respect. Krulo knew one thing for sure, though, whoever on the road at the moment was being tested. He had a feeling that there would be big news soon, whatever it was.
-o0o-
"The Path, your Majesty?" said a man with short hair and goatee. He was holding large leather bound book, though he seemed unfazed of its heaviness in his left hand while a beautiful golden phoenix quill was in his right. Sat on the throne in front of him was none other than His Majesty the King Devanate.
The King chuckled before answering the outburst of his private secretary. "Yes, Suwan. Young Harry is taking the Path."
"But he's still young and had just gone through that ritual. Surely, your Majesty, the boy is too young to be on that way here. I could just send out the royal chariot to receive him… or I could do the honor myself… or…" Suwan was stopped by the King raising hand.
"It's Master Fane's plan, Suwan," the King said smiling, "you do know that even I could not interfere, don't you?"
"Mas… Master Fane, your Majesty?" the secretary stammered. "Very well, then." He sighed in defeat. Who on earth would dare stop the mystic? In the Asian magical world, most powerful Magi were hailed as a god of sort. However, between the Magi and to an extent, Arch Magi, the mysterious Mystical Master Fane was the real deity of them all. Nobody knew where Master Fane came from or who he really was or how old was he. He had been there ever since they all could remember and Suwan had just celebrated his 869th birthday a few months ago. Those who had met him would say nothing but praised and to some, especially those evil ones, feared.
Suddenly, there were thumping sounds echoed through the hall and the door that led to the royal private chamber was opened and the royal guard announced the arrivals the 8 privy councilors. They were the members of the Noble Privy Council, His Majesty's personal consultants.
Once the 8 newcomers reached the throne, they split into 2 lines and prostrated themselves before the throne. "Hail His Majesty the King Devanate of Intra, Lord of Bhiman, Ruler of Himabhanta, long he may reign," said all of them at once.
"Rise, my friends," the King told them with a wave of hands. 8 fluffy armchairs coated with feline furs appeared in front of the throne stage. "I have news that would be so much of merriment, but that would have to wait until we finished our meeting here. Now, Suwan, what are the agendas?" the King said turning to his secretary and that started another normal day in the Palace above Bhiman.
-o0o-
It was the seventh night in a relatively calm forest. Harry had travelled pass two more streams just like it was described in the little map he held in his arm right now. The problem was he had to spend another night in this dark forest where trees were old, large and very thick. The trunks of each tree were so high and dark green leaves on their branches. Even in day time, sunlight could not break through. Harry had already spent 2 nights in this part of the landscape. From the map, he would reach the shore of the great seawater lake soon. He had been cautioned to reserve more water for it would take him a while to cross the lake to the third part of Himabhanta, which was a huge island in the middle of the lake. Grandmother Morgana had warned that he would meet each part's guardian, but he almost reached the end of the first ward. The boy wondered why he had not met anyone yet. Was it the Nymph? Probably not, she had not asked him the proper inquiring question.
Harry had been lucky to find a nice spot for camping where there was a stump of tree. It looked like the tree was cut down or broken with a great force leaving some scraps that the boy had to re-cut it and used it as a makeshift table. His tent was set in a space between two trees and a small bonfire lit up in front of the tent. Tonight, Harry decided to have just bread and tinned soup. He was exhausted by the unexpected events of the last 2 days since he stepped into the thickest part of the forest. He had to hide from some sort of wolves pack. The monsters tracked him down from the edge of the wood and the boy had to use every trick in his book to get rid of them.
Fire worked for the first few tries, it scared them off. Still, the wolves seemed to enjoy tormenting him without a break. He had to spend a few hours on a tree limb and started using many charms and runes to mask his scents, camouflage his body and stuff, re-cast all invisibility and cloaking charms on his self, and set up a diversion with an illusion of him running back to the entrance of the forest. It seemed to work, but for a few hour of a peaceful trek, Harry heard their barks and growls once again. This time Harry decided to strike back. He had followed the instruction to avoid all fight, but it seemed necessary now. He casted a runes barrier of elemental powers as a trap and drew them in circles. He waited patiently until the first few wolves passed through and reached the middle-most circle. He sprang his traps and the whole pack was separated into 4 walls of earth, water, fire and invisible air barrier. Howls and barks echoed within the woods. Not wanting to kill, Harry let the walls down one by one and the trapped wolves in each layer ran away, though not too far. They seemed to wait for their other companions. Once all layers were brought down, the wolves got together once more. Harry, still not sure if he had made a mistake or not, decided to call all the runes to him instead of wipe them away. Suddenly, 4 rings of elements appeared around his body. The flame of the fires looked hot, but did not affect the boy. Looking at the wolves pack once more, Harry was astounded to find one of them walked up towards him and bowed its head down and the rest followed suit. It took him a mere second before he decided to run away knowing he would be ridded of these stalkers.
After finishing his dinner for the night, Harry decided to rest. A few hours later, the sleeping boy had a weird dream. No, it was a nightmare he used to have many years ago when he was still young and had not discovered about magic. He tossed around in his sleeping bag. Sweats were clearly on his forehead, albeit the cool weather, which started to become colder. As the time passed by, the air started to become foggy.
"He's here," shouted a man, "take Harry and go!"
A few thumping sounds and a woman's voice were saying something he could not catch. Then, there was a crash and loud thump as though something fell.
"Step away, girl," said a cold voice hissing with extra s, "you may live, but the boy has to die."
"No," the woman pleaded, "not Harry, please not Harry. Take me instead."
"Foolish girl," the voice said, "if you so want, then… AVADA KEDAVRA!"
"NO…" shrieked the woman and another thump.
Suddenly, there were two cold grey pupils with blood red irises eyeballs looking at him. Another yell of the killing curse and a flash of green light followed and then all went dark.
The scene replayed itself over and over. In his state of mind, Harry tried to wake up, but he could not. Feared, panicked, frightened, Harry's magic broke itself loose out of his body and he suddenly woke up.
Drenched in sweat, Harry let out a sigh of relief until the surrounding air became clear to him. The scene of his nightmare started again alerting Harry that something was wrong. The flapping of his tent's door stopped as a grayish, bone-like and scabbed hand hold it opened. Harry froze in his place feeling weak and as though all his happiness was gone. Then, it struck him. Dementor! Harry searched through his memory for any counter he could use.
"Dementors are among the foulest creatures that walk this earth. They infest the darkest, filthiest places, they glory in decay and despair, they drain peace, hope, and happiness out of the air around them. Even Muggles feel their presence, though they can't see them. Get too near a Dementor and every good feeling, every happy memory will be sucked out of you. If it can, the Dementor will feed on you long enough to reduce you to something like itself...soul-less and evil. You will be left with nothing but the worst experiences of your life." (2)
Harry was in full panic mode now. He recalled the charm to drive away the beast, but he could not recall clearly in his unstable mind. The huge and dark creature glided into the tent. Harry felt drained and the scene kept playing again and again. Harry shook his head furiously to clear the picture out of his mind. Then he tried to use the meditation technique to clear his mind. The dementor was about a few meters away. He grabbed his wand tightly and pointed at the beast.
"EXPECTO PATRONUM!" shouted Harry wishing it worked for the sake of his life.
The dementor shrieked as if it was attacked by something and fled. For Harry's part, he never saw what form his patronus took for what he saw was only the misty bright white light that he had to shut his eyes until he heard the shriek. The cold air dissipated and Harry felt he could breathe again easily as his panic dissolved. A look at his watch told him it was only 4 in the morning, but all excitement of the last few minutes left him wide awake. Decided to just continue his trip, Harry started to pack his tent and cleared everything around his small campsite. The little boy never noticed the purple eyes that watched him from afar. The person smiled and let out a chuckle before disappearing from the spot he stood.
-o0o-
Master Fane, still chuckling, appeared before an entrance of a cave not very far from the little campsite of his young charge. There were a rattling sound inside the cave for a few moments and then it all went silent.
'Amused, are you?' a voice asked in the head of Master Fane, 'I'm certainly not!'
Master Fane grinned widely, 'come now, Lord Devon. Don't tell me you were best by a mere child.'
The dementor, who had just made a visit to our little hero, glided out of the cave. There stood in front of Master Fane, unhooded showing a scaly skull with dark black orbs as the eyes. 'You seemed to forget to mention that the child knows and is capable of casting the damned charm of yours.'
'I didn't know, Devon,' replied Master Fane. 'I'm still testing him.'
'Of course, My Lord,' Lord Devon replied. 'So, how's his score?'
"Outstanding," Master Fane said out loud still grinning like a maniac. 'What do you think, Devon?'
'My Lord, I cannot say,' the dementor seemed to think for a while. After the pause, he continued, 'but I would like to ask your permission to inform my brethren around the world about him.'
Brows raised, Master Fane asked, 'inform them? What is it that you wish to tell them, Lord Devon?'
'Pardon me, My Lord. But you seem to forget what I am.'
'You are the chieftain of dementors, of course I know, Devon,' Master Fane said knowingly.
'Then, you must know that I need to warn them of the boy, My Lord. Being the leader, I am the most powerful one. Still, the boy's charm affected me as though it would have killed instead of just hurt and drove me away. I have never felt the fear since you did it, My Lord.'
'Hmm…' pondered the Mystic, 'then, you are free to tell them. However, add my warning, Devon. I know of the tribe in England, guarding Azkaban. I know of their twisted mind letting hungers and desires over their real needs. A few souls, I can look over. Breeding is acceptable, but to kill just for entertainment, I can't allow. Tell them, pick their side wisely. I let you all to take refuge in this realm for the feat you, Devon, did for me. But I won't tolerate their demonic behavior. My patronus charm would be but a sweet if I am enraged. Tell them to beware of my wrath.'
'Yes, My Lord,' the dementor chieftain bowed.
'By the way,' Master Fane spread his wings and turned back for one last time to Lord Devon, 'why do you keep calling me 'My Lord'? I released you from my lordship eons ago.'
'My Lord,' the dementor replied, cheekiness in his voice, 'you still are and ever will be.'
'Then,' the Mystic flapped his wings and floated up, 'I shall seek your help again, my liegeman. You are still free as you were. I've missed your humor, Devon.'
Before Master Fane flew away, he created a white ball of energy in his palm and sent it down to Lord Devon. The dementor held up its bone-like hands and grabbed the ball. It dissolved in thin air, but the dementor body was now glowing. Lord Devon bowed faithfully, 'Thank you, My Lord.'
Silent covered the forest once more, but Devon could still hear his beloved master's laugh in his mind for a few more hours of that day. Such a joyful voice he had longed to hear.
-o0o-
Ref. (1) 'Volare Promotum' is a made-up incantation I tried to use by searching for the word 'fly' and 'move ahead' in Latin - from an online translation website.
(2)Remus Lupin gives this excellent description of a Dementor (PA10) - from the article about dementors in the hp-lexicon
