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Posted May 10, 2014
SUMMARY: Fallout from the meeting, wherein Voldemort has a date with the Daedric Prince of forbidden knowledge, and not all escape the ensuing chaos unscathed;
38: THE GRAND DECEPTION
May 8, 2007 -
"Vulom aal fah tiid mu'ul, nunon fah ro wah kos vokrii. Haan nis agos vothni vulom." (darkness may for a time rule, only for balance to be restored. Light cannot exist without darkness.)
- Harry Stormcrown
Everything hurt, though specifically, Harry felt like he'd been walloped in the chest with a sledgehammer. He felt dizzy, and his ears were ringing, as he tried to sit up. 'Where am I?' he wondered. He reached down to access his satchel, then realized it was missing, as were the clothes he'd been wearing. Right. Killing curse equals dead.
The world was starting to come into focus, though... there really wasn't much to see. Just a white void of some sort. Surely, this couldn't be it though. After all, Harry had been to Sovngarde, the Nords' afterlife. And if he could still think, and feel...
Right before his eyes, the void began to change, transforming into a close facsimile of the said Nord afterlife, right down to the whale bridge and Shor's hall. The only thing absent was Tsun. Better, he thought. Now if he could find some clothes—the thought had not completed when he found himself properly clothed in robes he'd not worn in years: his mages' robes he wore when he was a student at the College.
His head was no longer swimming, and so he climbed to his feet, but he still remained in one spot, as though still uncertain of what was truly happening. As his senses further adjusted to his surroundings, he finally focused on something that was thumping and muttering—no, whimpering—in the brush a short distance away. Harry was at first concerned, but... no, more curious as to what it could be, and so he closed the distance.
What he found had him recoiling in shock. It looked to be a child, but... it resembled something from the terrible images Brandon had shown—it looked to have been infected by the T-Virus. It appeared as though it had been flayed alive! Who would do something such as this to a child?!
"It is beyond help."
Harry wheeled on the spot, to find three faces long dead to him: His mother, his father, and Sirius. Sirius looked younger, less haggard, the life once again restored to his very bones. His mother and father looked fresh in love, though they'd only just left Hogwarts, their entire lives stretched out before them.
"My son. My wonderful, brave son," Lily spoke.
"M-mum? Dad?"
"We are so proud of you," said James, beaming.
"But... how? You're... you're all dead."
"Sadly, yes, Harry," answered Sirius, a look of sadness briefly crossing his face.
"Then... I'm dead too?"
"No, not exactly, dear," answered Lily, smoothly, as they left the strange child behind, and walked toward the bridge.
"But..." Harry raised a hand to the cursed scar, and almost yelped in surprised. It was gone. "But... I should be meeting you in the afterlife. I was not presented with opportunity to defend myself."
"And that, love, made all the difference in the world."
"I... reason still eludes me."
"You did not defend yourself."
"I had no chance!"
"It still makes a world of difference, son," said James, flicking his eyes back to the child-like thing that was still making strange sounds in the bushes.
"Wait. Gods. Oh, gods... that... thing... was in me. It was—I was a Horcrux," Harry said, as realization dawned on him. "Then... his actions only destroy the soul fragment..."
"Leaving your soul intact, and completely your own."
"And this... abomination..." Harry pointed a finger at the thing still thumping about in the bushes.
"It is beyond anyone's help," answered James.
"I am still at a loss as to how I came to be here," Harry persisted, "Horcrux or no, I should still be on my way to the afterlife."
"Harry, what happened at the end of the Triwizard tournament?"
"The resurrection ritual."
"And during that ritual, what did the traitorous rat use as an ingredient?"
"My blood," Harry answered, and then it dawned on him. "Shor's beard. Doing so, he bound me to him."
"Precisely, dear," said Lily, still beaming, "The very blood which I sacrificed to protect you all those years ago, now courses through his veins as it does yours. Unintentionally, perhaps, but in doing so, he also tethered you to life."
"So if he dies, I will die also."
"No, not at all," James answered, "It's a one-way-street for poor old Tom. Though with what you have planned for him, he won't have to worry about death."
"Though he will wish for it many times over," said Harry, with a smirk. "How is it you know of my plots?"
"Come, Harry. We have been watching you since we arrived in the afterlife. Though some of your activities have both your mother and I wanting to bang our heads on a wall somewhere, you've grown up well, gained allies neither of us could have ever imagined, and most importantly, met your destiny on your own terms, not allowing others to dictate for you."
"And both Prongs and I should also congratulate you on your impending union. You might want to pass on a message to Mr. Stormcrown that, should he ever mistreat you or make you unhappy, we will hunt him down and make his afterlife a memorable one for the wrong reasons."
Harry couldn't help but laugh.
"Mazhe and I just fit. Guess I should've seen that coming. We practically grew up together. Now, I—but wait. If I'm here... how do I get back?"
"You just have to wish it so. But Harry," said Sirius, "There is something you need to know, before you do."
"It's important, then," Harry guessed.
"You know about Albus."
"Gods," Harry snorted, "The fool has been put on a very exclusive list, so yes, I know of the man he is."
"He will become what Tom Riddle is," James warned, "Tread very carefully in any dealings with him. He works with the very group who unleashed a series of terrorist attacks in Trevelyan."
"He was also behind the booby-trapped virus they sent you a few days ago. Be extra vigilant, Tom's death does not mean the end of problems."
"I... I somewhat suspected that, mum. Though I would wash my hands of matters, as my destiny is about to be fulfilled. Yet I cannot, knowing the world would still suffer... as would Valicadia. It does not pain you knowing I have all but renounced my English heritage?"
"Love, all that matters to your father and I, is whether or not you are healthy and happy. We may not exactly approve of some of the people you associate with, but you are a grown man, and if they make you happy, then so be it."
Harry grinned in spite of himself. "Oh. You mean the guild. They're criminals, yes, but they're practically family. And with Mazhe leading, our far more sinister activities will be curtailed. Mazhe is a good man, mum, but... you already know that, right?"
"It's time for you to get back," said Sirius.
"Remember, son. We'll always be watching you, no matter where you are. We'll always be proud of you."
"And dear... should you land yourself back here before your two-hundredth birthday, we won't make a very pleasant welcoming party." Lily spoke as though she were dead serious, but her eyes danced with amusement.
"Uh, I will keep that in mind, mum."
"Now begone, Harry Stormcrown."
And suddenly, the world around seemed to vanish into a black void, with voices echoing around him, sounding as though he were underwater. He had fallen to the ground, slumped up against a wall and somewhat upright, his legs folded under him. Perhaps not the most ideal position, but...
"M-m-my lord?" he heard a female voice simper.
"I do not require assistance," the Dark Lord snarled.
He could sense no one close to him, and so dared to crack open an eyelid. Sure enough, Voldemort was climbing back to his feet, and summoning the black book.
"Check the boy and tell me if he is dead," Voldemort hissed, before opening the cover of the book.
A slick, oily dark tentacle exploded from the inside of the book, to lift Voldemort off the ground, with a second poised to pierce his skull. The gathered Death Eaters exploded into action, casting powerful curses at the book, but nothing worked. Then, seconds later, a black cloud of eyes formed, oily and octopus-like, and they all focused on the now trapped Dark Lord.
"Well done, Harry," came the slick, syrupy voice of Hermaeus Mora.
Now, Voldemort knew he was in serious trouble. What sort of sorcery had the boy done?! Who was this... this monster? He tried to reach his magic, but became even more frantic, discovering it was out of reach. Far worse, the strange tentacle that clutched him tightly was actually burning into him, causing immense pain.
"You have done exactly as I have asked, and so you shall be richly rewarded," Hermaeus Mora continued, and now, the rest of the assembled mass realized Harry was still alive. The room momentarily erupted into spell fire, but nothing worked, as all the spells died before they reached their target.
"Foolish mortals!" the Daedric Prince growled, causing the very room to shake with fury. "The next one to cast a spell will join your unfortunate master!"
"I would do as he asks," Harry says, sitting up. The eyes blinked in Harry's direction, and a heavy tome seemed to materialize in front of him.
"A gift, friend of my champion. I would have you share it with him."
"I will do that sir. And you have my gratitude. Uh... I do need to summon my circle, so we may conclude business here."
"Do as you must," the Daedric prince answered.
Harry quickly reached down into his satchel and retrieved his mobile. He pressed a few buttons, quickly transmitting his location back to Mazhe.
Hermaeus Mora, meanwhile, appeared to appraise his new 'toy'.
"Such a wealth of knowledge," he said, back to using his sticky, syrupy voice, "Knowledge I had never considered. And all of it, shall be added to the endless stacks of my library."
"Who... what... what are you?" one of the Death Eaters at last asked.
"Oh. None of you have been properly introduced. I will correct that presently. I introduce Hermaeus Mora, the keeper of forbidden knowledge. His library is vast and endless, containing many secrets. Secrets and knowledge, such as dear Tom here possesses. When we met a few months past, he tasted the knowledge Tom possessed, and tasked me with arranging a meeting. This meeting.
"Since the beginning of Frostfall—October, the Commonwealth of Valicadia has been working on my behalf, to engineer this meeting. To instill the false belief within your ranks that I, Harry Stormcrown, had betrayed the light, perhaps opening up my own side of the war. In fact, all of this was a simple facade, a grand deception.
"My close circle of friends all still live, sequestered away by the Commonwealth, until this event was concluded. The professors at Hogwarts were all aware of the plan, and readily cooperated."
"And yet you killed dozens of worthless Muggles and traitors—" Malfoy objected.
"No. No one was killed in any action by the government. It was all an illusion, which I daresay was rather convincing."
"And even should you survive here, Potter, your name will still be ruined!" another Death Eater sneered, "Whether they are dead or not, you are still seen as a traitor."
"The government will see to the clearing of my name, when the plan is revealed."
"Indeed, Harry, it was a grand deception. Maphala would like you," said Hermaeus Mora, with a chuckle.
Conversation was momentarily interrupted, as a blur of bodies landed nearby. Harry's circle had arrived, along with a contingent of SOU. The group easily outnumbered the Death Eaters.
"All right, Harry?" Mazhe asked.
"We're just about done," Harry answered, nodding to the events happening on the opposite side of the room.
"Well played, Potter. Well played," the Dark Lord conceded.
"I do only what is necessary. With this act, I conclude the prophecy put in motion by Dumbledore's hand—another fool who will one day also meet justice. The Daedric prince has provided me means to see it done."
Harry paused, feeling a twinge of magic wash over him.
"Zu'u Harry Strundu'ul. Hi lost drehlaan zomaar truk(1), Tom Marvolo Riddle. Terrible things all in the name of fleeing from a fate from which no mortal can ever escape: death. With the steps I take in this place at this time, you will have your wish, at great price. For you will suffer a fate far worse. To walk an endless library of knowledge, all of it within your grasp, ready to be consumed, but you will be unable to practice it. You will wish for death, but death does not know the realm of Hermaeus Mora."
Harry bowed deeply.
"Sir. I leave this blight on our world to your mercies. You have done us a great service on this day, to which I am happy to be in your debt."
Hermaeus Mora chuckled. "So mote it be, Harry. Your words please me as have your actions."
The second tentacle blasted into Voldemort's forehead, and with a terrible crack, the Dark Lord vanished, the book dropping to the floor with a loud SMACK.
"And, uh, sir. In time, I would send to your care one more foolish mage who oversteps purpose. The knowledge Tom possesses will pale in comparison."
Hermaeus Mora let out another chuckle. "Indeed? I eagerly await your offering, then." The eyes too, faded.
No one seemed to move for several moments, as though everyone were petrified by the Daedric prince's departure. Then, the room exploded into gunfire and spellfire. A number of dark witches and wizards attempted to Disapparate, but quickly realized they couldn't—Eric had hastily deployed an anti-Appirition ward, along with an anti-port key ward, ensuring the fight would end there and then.
"Fus RO DAAAH!" Miraak roared, sending a group of five Death Eaters to the afterlife. After all, soft bodies colliding violently with a hard surface tended to do that.
Dardanos and Crixus had quickly teamed up, now wielding MP5 assault rifles. Additional training had quickly brought them up to speed with modern weapons and modern combat practices—although in that case, it was more of a refresher, considering Harry had taught them the basics back in Capua.
Now, they worked methodically, chasing a pair of Death Eaters out of the room, sporadic gunfire now echoing in the corridor. Harry smirked as he charged up a powerful shock spell—then stopped.
"Well done, Harry."
"Professor Snape," said Harry, as they pair met, though Harry was still well aware of the combat going on around them.
"No longer a professor, Harry. You have your mother's eyes."
"I know—" he flung an ice spike at a Death Eater trying to sneak up on them. "I look more like my dad though. Why would you join us and not make final stand?"
"I have made a lot of mistakes, Harry. But I swore to protect you when your mother was killed."
"Harry!" Mazhe shouted, and Harry spun to find a group of three Death Eaters closing on them. He charged up both an ice spike and a shock spell, while Snape brandished his wand.
"We'll finish this conversation at a more appropriate time," Harry decided, before unleashing his spells.
Both impacted the targets, while Snape hissed, "Sectumsempra".
The spell was rather effective, slicing the man's arm off just below the shoulder joint, and leaving a terrible gash across his chest that sprouted a geyser of blood.
"Effective."
"A spell of my own creation," said Snape, as they retreated to Mazhe's location.
"Dismemberment curse. Useful," Mazhe agreed.
More gunfire erupted from the corridor, and the two Death Eaters Dardanos and Crixus had been chasing burst back into the room, a trail of blood behind them. They tottered a few more steps, before collapsing.
"Fo KRAH DIIIIN!" Miraak roared, and a blast of frost rolled across the floor to envelop the gravely injured opponents. Their last thoughts wished for warmth.
The two former gladiators then set their sights on another pair of Death Eaters that were giving a single SOU agent difficulty. His partner lay lifeless on the floor, a pool of blood spilling from a massive wound in his chest.
With the odds suddenly against them, the two Death Eaters took off, trying to shield themselves from the onslaught of vicious firepower.
"Stupefy," Brandon and Eric both hissed, and the dark wizards dropped like they'd been shot. Perhaps they had been, for they breathed their last.
"Good shooting—" Eric collapsed, the green bloom of light having acted like a camera flash. Brandon spun around to find the source of the curse, but found it already taken care of. Another SOU agent had felled him—only to be felled himself, from an identical curse.
Harry had seen it, and retaliated by launching an ice spike at the woman's head. She actually laughed, dodging the spell.
"Itty... bitty... Potter wants to play," she mocked, in a terrible baby-like voice.
"Careful," Snape warned, "It's Belletrix Lestrange."
"Ah, my godfather's cousin," Harry remembered, sounding pleasant, but he was all business. "Sirius was one of very few good people to come from the Blacks." He launched another pair of ice spikes, which the dark witch easily dodged. She countered with a purple curse that Harry easily deflected up at the ceiling. It exploded on contact, sending bits of plaster raining on the combatants below.
"Nice try. Let's try something different, then."
Harry flung his hand out at the ground, causing a purple orb to appear, and fade, revealing a Seeker.
"Your creature doesn't frighten me—" Belletrix ate her words, as she was staggered by the Seeker's ranged attack—which somewhat resembled water travelling in slow motion.
"Avada kedavra!" She snarled, and the Seeker was instantly destroyed.
"Enough!" Harry snarled, "Together."
Three spells launched simultaneously joined gunfire from the two gladiators. Belletrix might have been nimble, but against such a concentration, there was no chance. Snape's special spell narrowly missed, as did Harry's ice spike, but Mazhe's concentrated fireball connected, as did a hail of bullets. She collapsed in a heap.
"Avada kedavra," Snape cursed, and the witch was no more.
With the fall of Belletrix Lestrange, most of the remaining Death Eaters threw down their wands and surrendered.
"It's over! Surrender now," Brandon growled.
"Surrender?" Malfoy mocked, "Never."
He let loose a spell at the first open target—Tommy. The spell nailed him just below the knee, and he collapsed in a heap, as Miraak unleashed his fire breath on the blond Death Eater. Naturally, the fire not only roasted the man alive, but spread to the wall behind him.
"Aquamenti!" Brandon shouted, pouring a stream of water on the flames before they got out of control.
"Tommy!" Harry was at his fallen friend's side in a heartbeat. He was thrashing about, and it looked like the flesh was being peeled off his leg.
"What is it?" Mazhe asked.
"Flesh rot curse," said Snape, "Stun him."
"Stupefy," said Justin, and Tommy fell still—though still quivering from the curse attacking his leg.
"Remove his leg or it will kill him."
"What?" Harry looked horrified.
"It has to be done," said Brandon, pointing his wand at Tommy's leg, just above the knee joint. Before Harry could further protest, Brandon cast a strong cutting curse. Harry, Justin, and Mazhe quickly joined in casting healing charms to close up the wound.
"I'll get him to the hospital," said one of the SOU agents, kneeling beside the injured man.
"Take him back to the flat and summon Healer Ferris," said Brandon.
"Sir." The SOU agent gripped Tommy about the shoulder, before activating a port key. They vanished in a blur of limbs.
"Rest of you," said Brandon, "Round up the captives and take them to secure holding in Trevelyan so we can begin interrogations."
Mazhe touched Harry on the shoulder. "Harry?"
"I..." Harry looked up, his face wet with tears.
"He'll be okay," said Brandon.
"I know. Now... now I know what you felt, Mazhe. When you finished off Alduin. Now I know," he repeated.
"It's over. For the both of us." Mazhe knelt down beside his mate, and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"As you've freed me from a burden of my own, Mr. Potter," said Snape. He looked relieved.
"Come with us if you want to be free of your other master," said Harry, "You still somewhat answer to Dumbledore, do you not?"
"Painfully so."
"Our growing community in Skyrim could benefit from a world-renowned potions master," Justin agreed.
"Right. Let us return to Riften for now, and pause to recompose ourselves. The government will desire word on what has transpired here."
"Brandon will likely see to that, Harry," said Justin, "We now have as much time as we need. The pressure's off you—all of us now."
They arrived back at the apartment to find Tommy in the care of Healer Ferris. He was awake, his two nieces at his bedside, and he looked to be in good spirits, all considering.
"You are well?" Harry asked.
"It's all good. Healer Ferris has me booked for a prosthetic fitting in a few days."
Harry furrowed his brows. "You have still been further maimed by our world. This should not have happened."
"Harry. It's not your fault. I said I have your back, and I meant it."
"No matter. The gods still keep you with us."
"Harry?" Harry turned to find Ron and Hermione had entered the room. "Is it true? You defeated V-voldemort?" Ron looked hopeful.
"He's gone, never to threaten the mortal plane again. He serves a new master for all of eternity," said Harry, with an air of finality.
He found himself smothered in the embrace of his old school friends.
"Careful, mate. Mazhe might get jealous," Harry joked.
"You... you're in good spirits?" Hermione asked.
"A load has been lifted from my shoulders. I dealt out death today, but with hands set to purpose. If you worry of my thought, strike it from concern."
"But..."
"He did what he had to do, Hermione," said Justin. "He's trained for this since he was rescued."
"I... well..."
"I'm a soldier, Hermione. I knew of my fate since I was eight years old. The Commonwealth made certain of that. I have studied, and trained, all for this single purpose, that concluded today."
Harry turned to Brandon.
"Has the location of the battle been determined?"
"Malfoy Manor," Brandon answered, "It was in Wiltshire. The Commonwealth has secured the premises, and a CSU is on scene to document evidence. I will need to return to the Ministry so I can deliver a report in person."
"See it done."
"Aye aye, capt'n," Brandon smirked, before pulling out his mobile, and activating the port key feature. He vanished.
"Err... Harry, what's Snape doing here?" Ron asked, "We saw him in your common room."
"A circumstance of which I am equally still in the dark about. He knew my mother, and made pact to protect me. He seeks to escape Dumbledore's influence."
"Our little community here can benefit from his area of expertize," said Justin, "He's a world-renowned potions master."
"He's still a slimy snake," Ron muttered.
"And retaining old grudges is not productive," said Harry, "He teaches no longer."
"Harry... now that Voldemort is gone, what happens to us? I mean, all of the families that have been moved here?" Hermione asked.
"Actually, we'll likely not want to start moving people back for some time yet," Justin answered, "And it's not like we'll force anyone. There is still a danger from sympathizers and that kind of thing. You're all under the Commonwealth's protection, and we want to make absolutely sure things are safe before you're allowed to return to England."
"The government will likely interrogate all the prisoners first," said Tommy.
"Exactly. Wizarding England still has a lot of problems. They need to be solved, or we end up with another dark lord in a generation or so."
"Malfoy, for example," Harry muttered.
"Or any other man raised, head filled with hatred," said Crixus. He and Dardanos stood off to the side.
"Or indoctrinated with it," said Dardanos.
"Right on both counts," Justin agreed. "To make things truly safe, old beliefs have to be broken."
"Additionally, I have learned something further of Dumbledore's recent activities," said Harry.
"What sort of things?"
"Dumbledore now follows the same path as Voldemort. My mother gave warning."
Dardanos arched an eyebrow. "And how did she deliver such message. She walks the afterlife."
"The answer is complicated. Perhaps, I would show memory, as attempting to explain will only further confuse the tale."
Harry stretched out an arm. "Accio pensieve."
Required item floated into his hand only a few seconds later. Harry then drew the appropriate memory from his temple, and placed it into the liquid, causing it to shimmer a silvery colour.
"I won't follow, but all are welcome to view it."
His circle was gone for a few minutes. Emily and Rosie seemed content to entertain themselves in a corner of the room, and so Harry found himself falling into a sort of review of what had just happened. He was truly free. Sure, Dumbledore was still somewhat of a threat, but really. There was nothing absolutely binding about Harry getting involved. The Commonwealth would likely like nothing more than to have a go at the 'Great Albus Dumbledore', considering how many times the man had interfered in their business.
Now, with the pensieve testimony to back it up, they could likely hang the man out to dry. Sending him off to Apocrypha would certainly be the cherry on top, but, really. Harry felt lighter, more free than ever before.
People began to emerge from the pensieve, and Harry again found himself in a crushing embrace, this one from his love.
"Harry... gods, I find myself in envy. Though... I... I could have lost you, and not known."
"It was a risk I accepted. The gods return me to your side."
"All I could hope for." They kissed deeply.
"Oh, Harry," Hermione breathed, as she finally recovered from what she'd seen.
"You truly have the gods on your side," said Dardanos.
"Vulom aal fah tiid mu'ul, nunon fah ro wah kos vokrii. Haan nis agos vothni vulom."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Harry... English, please."
"Sorry. I said, darkness may for a time rule, only for balance to be restored. Light cannot exist without darkness."
"Well put," Justin agreed, "All of us have both the light and the dark within us."
"It falls to intent," said Crixus.
"Yes, exactly. It is our choices that make us who we are. Not genetics, not our environment. Our choices, nothing more."
"But... people learn behaviours from their environment," Hermione challenged.
"Yes, but it still falls to their choices," Justin rebutted, "No matter what, it still falls back to a person's choices."
"All right, the lot of you. Out." The group turned to find Healer Ferris at the door.
"Err... yes ma'am," Justin grinned. "Come on, let's take our conversation elsewhere."
"Get some rest, Tommy," said Mazhe.
"Right... sure," Tommy grinned.
"Healer Ferris, if I could have a word when you conclude with your, patient," said Harry.
"Give me a few minutes."
Late that afternoon, Harry and his circle received a rather unexpected visitor in the Queen herself. The fireplace roared to life, expelling a group of SOU agents, before the lady herself stepped through.
"Your grace," Harry grinned, giving a bow of the head.
"You are well?"
"Relieved," Harry answered, "Please, join us. Uh... you pair, take the entrance leading to the cistern."
He gestured to two of the SOU agents in the Queen's company.
"Seal the door from entry."
The two chosen agents glanced first at the Queen, then to Brandon.
Brandon furrowed his brows. "Well?"
"Sir."
"Harry has trained with us. You should all be aware of that by now," Brandon snapped, "He's practically one of us."
"Yes, I couldn't agree more," said the Queen, "Perhaps that should be made a little more official. But first, details, young man! The Dark Lord is gone?"
"Yes ma'am," Harry answered, "Hermaeus Mora banished him to Apocrypha. Brandon witnessed it, as did the SOU team, Justin, Mazhe, Miraak, Tommy, Dardanos, and Crixus. Tom Riddle will never threaten our world again."
"You have the gratitude of the nation, Harry. We will be forever in your debt."
"A debt I would never call due," Harry answered, "It is by the resources provided by the Commonwealth that I succeed. Both the Commonwealth and I were united to purpose, and saw it to conclusion.
"You provided me with tools and allies, great people I call dear friends. No, there is no debt between us."
Queen Susan laughed. "All right, fair enough. I would love to see how it turned out, however."
"A pensieve memory? Easy enough."
Harry again held out a hand, and summoned the pensieve from Tommy's room.
"It should still be in there."
"No, actually it contains a viewing of the sex tape I was going to send to the National Daily Chronicle," Brandon smirked.
"What?!"
The room collapsed into gales of laughter at the expression on Harry's face.
"Just remember, McAllister, payback. Payback, dear friend."
"Bring it on."
The Queen spent the rest of the afternoon and dinner, as she got a clear picture of what had truly happened. Now, she was as relieved as Harry was. Of course, she still had concerns, seeing the comments of Harry's mother. They paled in contrast to the threat the Dark Lord had posed. Perhaps, with statements in hand, she could convince the ICW to take up matters. No matter. Truly dark times could be put behind them.
It was May 11 before any sort of media release was made about the events. Of course, the Daily Prophet had most certainly noticed the cessation of attacks, as nothing had happened in the past three days. Nothing from either Harry or Voldemort.
Now, the National Daily Chronicle came out with a special edition that morning, full of photos snapped from a pensieve memory. The cloud of eyes that was Hermaeus Mora was carefully edited out, but the black tentacle blasting through the Dark Lord's skull was kept. Harry's fight with the remaining Death Eaters was also prominent.
The newspaper release was followed by an on-air interview Harry gave that evening on the wireless. The interviewer had lots of hard questions for Harry, all of which he answered candidly and truthfully, under the influence of Veritaserum. At the end of the interview, Harry made one final statement.
"In January, when the first incident was visited upon the Commonwealth, it truly hurt. To then read the words printed in the National Daily Chronicle, those simple words, 'What have we done to you, Harry?'. I felt part of me die, to know all of you then believed me to be a monster.
If I could rewind time and undo that terrible grievance, I would happily do so. Yet, that cannot be undone, and all of you now understand, we felt it necessary. Know that, no one was in true danger, her Majesty's forces ensured of that before destruction was unleashed. Injured parties and damage was compensated by my estate, as part of the agreement set forth before the plan was put in motion.
Now that the plan is concluded, I would equally note that, the devastating series of events unleashed in Trevelyan during Rain's Hand—April, rather—were not part of the deception, and were instead put in motion by a separate entity which the government believes they have put to grass.
I do not share that belief, but that discussion is for another time. Know that I will never engage in activities that are truly dark, that would work toward evil ends. I always walk in the light, and will always work against evil in this world. My allies would make it so.
My final comments is this. All of you have helped me to become the man I am. I am proud to call myself a son of Valicadia, though my blood may not be. May the gods watch over us with a ready sword, such as I always will. So mote it be."
May 13, 2007 / 13 Second Seed, 4E202
National War Memorial, Trevelyan
Considering the Commonwealth was hidden from the mundane world, one could easily fall under the impression that the Commonwealth remained outside of the world's conflicts. That assumption would be a mistake, as the Commonwealth was by no means a bystander in such affairs. Soldiers were involved in every major war, always fighting for the greater good, many of them paying the ultimate price.
The National War Memorial was established in 1946, the year following the conclusion of the second world war, as it was realized some sort of monument was required. Nations all over the world did something similar, and so it was only natural the Commonwealth followed suit. And, following the tradition the United Kingdom established, they marked November 11 as a day of remembrance.
The monument had been erected on the grounds of the parliament buildings, to take advantage of the great clock tower and its musical carillon. It stood nearly thirty feet high, its granite faces being engraved with the dates of conflicts the Commonwealth had fought in, both mundane and magical. The new date had already been added: "Second War against Riddle – 2004 – 2007".
Back to the present, there had been a brief debate as to where to hold a memorial to pay tribute to the men who lost their lives in the final fight against Voldemort, but in the end it was no contest. The National War Memorial would make the best sense. The flags all flew at half-staff, as they had since Tuesday, and only at sunset would they be returned to full-staff.
So it was, thousands of the public had gathered before the great Cenotaph just before noon hour. The event mirrored the ceremony that normally took place on Remembrance Day, with four soldiers standing vigil at the Cenotaph, with three flag-draped caskets being lined up in front of it. Harry now knew that there would have been a vigil since sunset the previous day. All of them wore different uniforms, marking different eras of conflict. The caskets would have been moved to the site that morning, though they rested in state in the rotunda of the parliament buildings since Wednesday afternoon. Thousands of people had filed past them paying their respects.
After the clock struck the hour, the ceremony began with opening remarks from the Queen.
"We normally meet here in November," she began. "However, five days ago saw events transpire which demand a momentary change in tradition.
"Humankind has gone to war since the days we discovered the power of rock and bone. Since then, we have fought each other over everything from the soil beneath our feet, to religious conquest, to just pure, unadulterated hatred.(2)
Millions have been involved in such conflicts, as we continue to find new ways of destroying ourselves. We erect monuments, such as this, with the hopes of preventing history from being repeated. We try to teach our children to not stray to such a path.
And yet, time after time, we once again stand here, burying our sons and daughters who pay the ultimate price in the pursuit of the true greater good. Those who stand up against the monsters of the world, the bullies, the tyrants, those who would plunder the good hearts and introduce anarchy and evil.
Twenty or so years ago, a great evil began to threaten the United Kingdom, and quickly overwhelmed the populace there. By the fall of 1991, England's Wizarding population was on its knees, being held hostage by Tom Riddle and those who followed him. Now, of course, you know the story of what happened. A single event saw the Dark Lord toppled from power, and a peace return to the land.
We knew this peace was only temporary, and our fears were realized, when Tom Riddle returned to the living in 2005, even against our best efforts to prevent it. Since then, Our government has worked with a very special young man to bring about his end, culminating in an eight-month-long operation which concluded five days ago.
"Members of Our Special Operations Unit joined Harry Stormcrown in the final assault against Riddle and his followers early on Tuesday morning. Harry used a powerful magical artefact to do away with Tom Riddle permanently, but it was not without cost. The three brave men resting before us paid the ultimate price to ensure none of Tom's followers would escape.
"For that, we are eternally grateful. Eric Gomrass, Oliver Wentworth, and Brent Stillman will see their names inscribed on the great Cenotaph behind us, a reminder of the costs of such evil. We must remain vigilant against such forces."
Two stone masons had approached the Cenotaph as she spoke, and only then began weaving spells onto the granite, as the combined band of numerous military units began to play the naval hymn. The spell work was beautiful, as pictures of the three men began to join the others that flickered in and out of view, since, with the spell work, the Cenotaph was almost alive with the faces of those who had given their lives for their country. One could touch a name engraved on the stone, and see their face almost come alive before them. The monument was a true masterpiece.
As the music played, there came a WHUMP, followed by a noisy crack, as artillery units began to mark the ceremony with a twenty-one gun salute. When it concluded, the Queen again addressed the crowd.
"These three native sons stood at the forefront of the battle with Tom Riddle, and only represent the final victims. Yet, we recognize the thousands of others who died by the madman's hand—the latest to fall in bloody conflict. Let us now acknowledge and remember those who have been lost in bloodshed. Whether it be at the hand of Tom Riddle, or others. Speak the names of those who should be remembered, that they never be forgotten."
The massed band again began to play, this time choosing, "We'll Meet Again", as people began to speak out from the crowd.
"Manny Fernandez, Brendan and Paddy Conlon," said Tommy, his voice barely above a whisper.
Harry turned to him, and was unsurprised to see tear tracks on his friend's face. He was supported between Brandon and Dardanos. Those deaths didn't involve Voldemort, but... it was still a terrible loss through a pair of senseless incidents.
"Madena, Louis, and Isabelle," said Mazhe. Harry knew they were his mother, father, and younger sister, all murdered when he was nine years old.
"Lily, James, and Sirius," said Harry. And there, he lost it. The deed was done, and yet, so many had paid for it. So many lives cut short by mad ambition. His circle had lost one of its members, and came very close to losing a second. Hell, he'd practically died himself—and had Voldemort not mistakenly made Harry a Horcrux, he most certainly would have.
UP NEXT: Harry and his circle take time to recover from the battle with Voldemort; another visit to San Francisco results in an encounter with Dumbledore, forcing Brandon to reveal secrets to Harry's new friends; and Harry and Mazhe tie the knot in a ceremony attended by many guests;
CHAPTER NOTES: So it is done. The Dark Lord is banished to oblivion, never to return. And I'm not kidding. Both Harry and Mazhe's destinies have been met, and now the pair have their lives ahead of them. Of course, the adventure is far from over, as you will very quickly see.
That said, I have one more chapter of this story, before I wrap things up, and start work on the second, tentatively titled, "The Second Prophecy". If you read the prologue of this story, it does point to future events, which the second "Chronicle" will cover.
(1) "Zu'u Harry Strundu'ul. Hi lost drehlaan zomaar truk..." - I am Harry Stormcrown. You have done terrible things
(2) This ought to sound familiar. Though, I'll toss a bone to those who might not quite get the reference... it's another famous Bethesda title. The quote is not exact, but the gist of it is very close to what is actually spoken.