The Red Flag of the King

by Aria Breuer

"It all ends here." Frodo Baggins, a husband and a father of three children, has become something of a legend. His son Killian wants nothing more than to step into his father's shoes – or feet – and become a hero, too. So, what does Godric Gryffindor have to do with any of this? The sequel to 'The Search for Horcruxes'. Pre-War of the Ring and during "The Cursed Child".

16. The Founders' Tower

Disclaimers: See Chapter 1 for more info.

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The pipe network sloped downwards as Killian, his friends, and Godric's ghost continued on their journey. For a time, Killian winced in pain. His bruises were healing, or so it seemed. Still, the pain wouldn't cease. He'd have to find a place to sit down and rest. Maybe the Hospital Wing wasn't too far away. At least, he hoped it wasn't.

"Here!" Godric moved through a closed oak door at the end of the pipe network. Killian felt the cool breeze whip through his curly hair. He managed to move his arm away from Roxanne and tried the door. The latch turned and the door opened, revealing a stone stairwell. He waited until Roxanne, Faramir, and Godric were through the doorway before heading up the stairs, closing the door behind him.

Killian's wounds didn't hurt as badly. He could walk!

Godric sped up, approaching the topmost part of the tower and zooming through that dark oak door. Killian followed the ghost past the door, entering a grand study with curved walls and covered with bookcases, as well as a writing desk. There were cobwebs on the walls, signaling to Killian this room was abandoned.

"Why did you bring us here?" Killian asked Godric, confused.

"What is this place? This tower?" Roxanne asked the ghost, curious.

"This is the Founders' tower," Godric explained. "It's where myself, Rowena, Helga, and Salazar had our meetings, as well as figured out what would become of the school. Much of this tower's history is long forgotten, but there is one piece of information I wish to share with you." He waved his hand at one of the bookcases. A hardcover book flew towards Killian, landing in his arms and flipping to the middle page.

Killian looked at the page with the tower, as well as the picture below it of a table with objects from the Founders, and a ship with Slytherin's colors. There was writing on the other page, which read in fine handwriting:

Chapter XI:

Restoration Spell

In order to restore the balance at Hogwarts and the timelines, which were broken, thanks to Sauron and the other villains, one must perform the following tasks:

1. Find all the objects needed to restore the balance. These are the Founders' objects, lost to the worlds, which include the following:

- Gryffindor: The Orb of Visions

- Slytherin: The Pirate Ship that was Lost

- Ravenclaw: The Silver Pendant, Rowena's Quill

- Hufflepuff: The Trophy she won before the founding of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

2. Place all the Founders' objects on a table, just as Slytherin's ship appears on the Lake.

3. Wait for the full moon, when dusk and dawn meet.

4. A pure heart must sacrifice themselves before the ritual is complete.

After this is done, the balance will be restored and the objects returned to their proper places. It is not known if the sacrificial victim will survive this restoration, but the odds are likely that he will.

Only then will the Red Flag of the King present itself to those who are worthy.

- Godric Gryffindor

"A sacrifice?" Killian asked, rereading the page. He looked at Godric, confused. "What do you mean, 'a sacrifice'? What ritual must be performed?"

"It's why your parents are after those objects." Godric sighed. "Your father knows more than you right now."

"Godric, what aren't you telling us?" Killian asked, concerned.

"If a sacrifice must be made, then I will do it," Faramir said, standing up.

"No!" Roxanne shook her head. "You don't need to sacrifice yourself. We'll find another way."

"There is no other way!" Godric spoke aloud. He turned to Killian with keen eyes. "This must be Killian's choice! He is the one I sought after. The only way the Founders will have peace is for you to sacrifice yourself. We must head to the Black Lake, where your parents await us."

"What are you talking about?" Killian asked, confused.

"He's not a sacrifice!" Roxanne grunted in disbelief.

"I'm afraid he is," Godric said, truthful. He turned to Killian, asking him, "It's up to you. Whenever you are ready, we will go to the Black Lake and perform the ritual."

"What?" Killian asked, stunned.

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Thanks for reading. :)