Harry Potter and the Holy Grail War

ESKK: A new chapter has been published so lets see where it goes forth.

(Start Dream Scape Hermione)

The first thing Hermione noticed was that she was in some sort of village... no that's not right. From closer inspection she saw that she was in fact in what was left of Diagon Alley. The wards had fallen, and muggle military were seen all over guns armed and ready. The crowd was hollering and yelling at someone who was approaching.

"Monster! Devil! Vile traitor!" The people yelled and thus Hermione saw a figure approaching. A young man with silver hair as his face was obscured a bit but Hermione recognized the face of one who was tired. Looking to the end of the path he was walking with people screeching at him Hermione was wide eyed when she saw a noose of all things. Looking to the man and then the noose it took her no time to figure out what was going on... this was an execution. Looking closely at the man Hermione saw him smiling not the smile of a sadistic murderer but the smile of someone who was so tired that he was fully ready to die.

Looking at the scene Hermione then put the pieces together as to who she was looking at. "C-caster?" Hermione stuttered and then the dream came to an end.

(Waking World Girls Dorms Gryffindor Common Room)

Hermione shot up awake as the dream she had haunted her thoughts after bearing witness to them. Feeling her heart, she felt it beating fast in an almost painful way. Looking at the way Caster had died had hurt her somehow in a more emotional sense. She noted how familiar he looked but something didn't add up... why were Muggles inside Diagon Alley that should not be possible. The only way she can find the answer was research and asking the star of that little episode, Caster himself.

Still, this was not the first time she had dreams involving Caster. They all started after the summoning sometimes they were vague images other times full events all of them involving violence in some way or form. Caster was constantly involved with violence somehow and was not restricted to wizards alone. He faced Wizards, Muggles, and on rare occasions dark creatures. What made it worse was at times he disregarded civilian life his excuse was the same, acceptable losses to ensure victory. Hermione didn't know what or who Caster really was and the several uses of the Marauders Map showed no ID on the Servants only their titles as Servants and such.

Hermione was worried that she might have summoned some kind of monster into the school in her bid to survive the Holy Grail War. She had thought that by using Harry's cloak she might be able to summon a Wizard of great power to her side and so far, Caster has proven he had great power. But he has also proven an absolute disregard for others if it stood in the way of his objective. Looking at the remaining two Command seals on the back of her hand remembering Caster's reaction to when she used it to stop him from torturing Assassin.

But while Hermione did not regret stopping Caster and his sadism, she knew he also had a point about wasting a Command Seal. She needed to be careful from now on with how she used the Command Seals because she may need them to reel in Caster when or if he starts to go too far.

(Scene Break Draven's Classroom)

"Trace On." Harry's voice was heard as he and Hermione stood in Draven's classroom as the pair were studying Magecraft. From what they understood Magic is utilized via Magical Circuits flowing through one's body. The Wand while a good focus restricted one's magical circuits to only wand-based magic. To put it in laymen's terms their entire bodies was the wand when not restricted by a focus and their own magic was the core.

At the moment Harry had a metal rode in his hand as he used his Magical Circuits which appeared as glowing blue veins on his body. They were starting off with the basics, using Magecraft to enhance the dexterity of items they were bolding. For such things one has to understand the general make up of what they were holding in order to modify it similar to the art of Alchemy. From what the pair could see Magecraft was more like a scientific version of magic that tears down the old explanation of; a wizard did it if you excuse the oxymoron. Harry had to admit that that Magecraft was proving to be useful but a struggle for him to utilize. Harry did good with the practical part of it but Hermione on the other hand was the opposite. The bookworm excelled in the theoretical aspect of Magecraft but fell short of the practical aspect of it.

"Good, good you're both making excellent progress in the art." Draven said as he sat on his desk writing up reports to send to the Mages Association. The two then sat down after finishing another round of practical when Draven sat up to speak with them. "That's enough you two take a rest and we'll continue the lessons next time." Draven said as he was in the process of preparing for the Second Task. He hoped that he could thin out the Servants and the Masters/Champions before the Yule Ball coming up.

"Pardon me, Mr. Draven." Hermione began just as Draven was pulling out a smoke.

"What is it?" He asked looking to, Hermione.

"I have a question is it possible for a Master to see the memories of their Servants?" Hermione asked which got Harry's attention as well.

"Yes, and it's not only possible its bound to happen." Draven said much to Hermione and Harry's shock. "Their called dream cycles for lack of better terms it's when the Master sees the memories of his or her Servant it's a sort of side effect of the bond one that even the Magus Association don't fully know the reason behind." Draven said as he looked to Hermione.

"I'm guessing you got a glimpse of your Servant's memories via this dream cycle." Draven said to which Hermione nodded in response.

"Yes... but it's Strange we were in Diagon Alley, and Caster was being taken to the Gallows." Hermione admitted as she looked to Draven. "I couldn't see his face, but I could see that he was... smiling like he was at peace." Hermione said wondering what poor soul was Caster that he had actually looked forward to dying.

"Hmm this might make identifying who he is difficult." Draven admitted as he had a few theories as to who Caster could be prior. But if Hermione had seen Diagon Alley that meant Caster was someone closer to this era. "Anyway, the two of you should best head out classes and what not await you." Draven said waving the pair off to which they nodded.

"Alright." Harry said and in turn the pair took their leave. Once they were gone Draven considered what he was told. A Servant is bound to the Throne of Heroes for their actions in life... but the ongoing theory of the Throne of Heroes wasn't restricted by time, so it was possible to pull a hero from a time yet to be. If this is the case this made Caster into a wildcard because if he's from the future then he has access to abilities never seen before, what happened to Crouch was proof of that fact. So, with this in mind they would have to proceed with caution going forward.

(Scene Break with Dumbledore)

Dumbledore was surprised that Caster's warning was accurate as sitting before him was a ring not just any ring mind you but the heir ring of the Gaunt Household. More so it was also a Horcrux and from the crest on the stone a Deathly Hollow. HE had brought back-up in the forms of Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, so they were able to prevent him from putting the ring on. After using Fiendfyre the ring was destroyed as was the fragment, but the stone remained. That was what stood before Dumbledore now the Resurrection Stone of the Deathly Hollows. He began to contemplate on what to do with it because if Caster's prediction was accurate the only Horcrux's left was the Locket of Salazar Slytherin hidden away in Grimmauld Place by Sirius Blacks brother, a snake always by Voldemort's side, and the Chalice of Helga Hufflepuff hidden away in Bellatrix Lestrange's vault.

Tom will no doubt figure out what is going on and start to panic. They have the advantage now, but it also made the old headmaster grow concerned. The Prophesy involving Harry states that only he can kill Voldemort and vice-versa because of the Horcrux in Harry's scar. Caster seemed intent to do the deed himself from what he could understand. As Dumbledore sighed, he could see where this was going, Caster was five moves ahead of everyone... no he knew what was going to happen before it happens and while the Servant did not wish to do so he worked with Dumbledore out of pragmatism. Thinking back Dumbledore began to notice a pattern the look of sadness around Caster's master, his distaste for Ronald Weasley and Dumbledore himself, and his spite against Harry.

But then he remembered the catalyst Hermione used... she hid it well and he knew of things to come. He then realized that was the missing piece. She used a box and inside the box had to have been... the Cloak of Invisibility. Just then Caster appeared in the room as he looked to Dumbledore. "Sirius was able to get the locket and is bringing it back now." Caster said reporting what Remus had told him.

"I see, excellent perhaps now we can save our world from a war before it begins." Dumbledore said as Caster scoffed to this.

"And all it took was a pragmatic viewpoint to get you off your old ass." Caster said and thus Dumbledore chuckled as Caster began to leave.

"I suppose I deserve as much for failing you... Harry my boy." Dumbledore said causing Caster to stop at the door.

"Pardon me?" Caster asked looking over to Dumbledore in shock.

"It took me a bit to realize it, but the clues were all there... the catalyst Ms. Granger had used was the Cloak of Invisibility belonging to Harry Potter." Dumbledore said as Caster was wide eyed to this. "She used it but since there was no one of legendary proportions within the Throne of Heroes who had used it, the Throne sent forth one from ages to come." Dumbledore said and thus he gave a sad and tired sigh. "So, Mr. Potter why not remove the mask and let me see your face." Dumbledore said wanting to see the face of another who he had failed.

Caster growled and removed his mask to glare at Dumbledore his ivory white hair proving to be the result of stress while his tan skin changed pigment. Dumbledore was met with dull green eyes filled with contempt, fury, and the aura of a tire old man. Dumbledore had never felt so heartbroken until he had looked into those eyes of a young man who he had failed once more.

(Scene Break the next day Gryffindor Common Room)

At a table alone, Harry was catching up on his homework while doing some magecraft on the side to help improve his abilities with it as he tries to understand it better, he wanted to becoming even more stronger, as he knew he may need to use this during the rest of the tri-wizard tournament and outside of it too, as there no telling when the next attack of the other masters and Servants may happen, as Fleur was desperate to keep her sister safe that she attacked them, and then assassin was next, as at this point he felt like a target was on his back.

Harry knew Hermione would be doing the same as caster would hardly listen to Hermione and only do so when needed, and no telling if he would defend her or leave her, so with Magecraft will help them have a slight advantage against any enemy, then suddenly saber came in no doubt to get another bottle of her private stash of alcohol, which is surprisingly that no one still hasn't found it, even Fred and George who know this castle inside and out couldn't find it, and no one dare follows saber around, as she sat down on a chair near Harry while also put up her feet on the table and drink her alcohol before letting out a satisfying sound after she drank.

"Must you act like this?" Harry ask his servant as Saber went, "Must you act like a prune? Just relax my master, as far anyone concern, I'm just minding my own business."

She just laugh at that as she took another swig of her drink while Harry sighed and said, "I don't understand, in stories and history, you were described as a respected, kind and serious person, not some carefree drunk."

"They also listed me as a man, so it's not all that accurate anyways and beside I am serious of my work, but I hardly been given time to myself, even back when I was still alive, and the only time I did have I spend with my friends when it was just the four of us," Saber said as she twirl her drink a bit as Harry soon ask, "The other founders of Hogwarts?"

"Yep, just me, Rowena, Helga, and my dearest friend Sally," Saber said as she just laugh at that last part as Harry soon ask, "Well I guess if the history books were wrong about you, what about the other founders, what were they like?"

"How they were like? Well the books tells well of how they are, but when we were not working we were just having a good time, other than Mr. Slithering, he take thing more serious than any of us put together, but we all laugh, cry, got into fights at the tavern, and sometimes woke up in bed with one another or with a random stranger, but they were mostly women," Saber said as she laugh at that thought before went 'ehh', then she fix herself a bit and said, "But all and all they were good friend and great people, as we open this school up for all magical children to learn magic."

"Well can't say I am surprised, but I do wonder as Salazar was pictured as a blood purest and not wanting muggle born into the school, so why were you friend with him?" Harry said as at that moment Saber slam down her drink hard on the table as she had an upset look on her face and said, "Do speak as thou knew Salazar like I do. He wasn't a blood purest; he welcome all student into the school as equal. It was other corrupted ideas that made up those stories and just ended up making him look evil, but in fact he was the furthest from it."

"But why did he create the Chamber of secrets with a basilisk in it to begin with?" Harry said as Saber went quiet and said, "It was a different time back then... Well, I guess not all that different, but it was different for me and all I will say is fear can drive anyone into doing something stupid."

Harry was now more curious, as he was about to ask more, until at that moment an owl flew into the Common Room suddenly, with a letter in its beak as it drop it in front of saber before it flew off through an open window someone left open as Saber picks it up and looks at it as Harry said, "What is it?"

Saber opens the letter and read it to herself as she looks at it closely before she smile and close it while she said, "Just a friendly letter from Rider it seems, nothing serious about it as far as I can tell he just want to have a talk just between servants is all."

"Are you going to meet him?" Harry ask as Saber stood up and pick up her drink on the table as she said, "Of course, it's not like he will attack me, he wants to meet in the great halls, as if this a plan to attack me not a great one sense it will be within my domain."

Harry was about to say something until saber just left to go meet Rider, closing the door behind her as Harry just sat there wonder what is going on.

(with saber)

While saber heads towards the great hall, she pull put her letter and read it again as she reads-

"My friend I wish to have a meeting with all the kings of the Grail War. Meet me in the great halls for a talk

-Sigh the king of Conquerors, Iskandar."

"MY what an ingesting man he is. Well good thing I am prepared for such a meeting," Saber said as she laugh a bit while holding up her bottle of alcohol still as she headed to the great hall.

(The Great halls)

Rider was sitting by his oneself as he waited on the two people he invited to have a talk with as suddenly Saber walked as she saw rider there at the head table where teacher and the head master is supposed to be at, but sense it's not any of the meal times it was free gain seating as she approach the head table as Rider saw her and said, "Ah, Saber Welcome."

"Hello Rider, may I ask why you invited me here, and in the middle of my own Domain?" Saber said as Rider just laughed at that and said, "I figure this was a neutral place to meet at, as the rules say we cannot fight in the castle, right?"

But then Saber took a closer look at the bottle and recognized it for what it was. "Oi where did you get my liquor?!" Saber demanded as she glared at Rider.

Rider just laughed as he held it high. "I happened upon it when I was traversing the Forest surrounding this school!" Rider announced as he held the drink high. "It was amongst many that seemed to have been hidden and aged like a most excellent of wine!" Rider announced and thus he smiled to Saber. "It is my spoils of conquest!" Rider finished and thus he bellowed out a hearty laugh.

Saber's mood changed as she joined the much larger Servant in his laughter. "I cannot deny that logic then." Saber announced as she then sat down on her chair. "I'll just have to steal it back when you least expect it." Saber laughed and thus Rider could not help but find Saber to be a most amusing of Servants.

Just then the doors opened again and from it the pair saw Harry and Gabrielle had arrived. "Ah master why not pull up a chair I know your underage but when you can die at any moment best to live life to the fullest!" Saber announced as Harry turned his head.

"Sorry I was concerned." Harry admitted as he wanted to know what was going on.

"Same." Gabrielle added and thus they went to pull up chairs. Once everyone was seated, they got down to talking as they planned to.

"The Grail is said to be fated for the hands most worthy to possess it." Rider began after taking a swing of his drink. "The epic battle taking place in these hallowed halls will determine exactly who that person is." Rider said which Saber smiled to this.

"But if it's simply a means to decide that fact I don't see much need for all this senseless combat." Saber cut in and thus Rider laughed to this.

"Took the words right out of my mouth Saber." Rider said while Saber took a swing of her drink. "After all, if the Heroic Spirits can agree on our rankings, then the matter can simply settle itself." Rider said and thus Saber laughed to this.

"Perhaps, but I find life to be far more interesting with a good fight here and there." Saber said as she then downed another swing of her beloved wine. "So, is that why your here, to test your rank against mine, King of Conquerors?" Saber asked with a smirk on her face.

"Yes, I have, you have all the makings of a King yet even now continue to deny such a calling." Rider said as he looked to Saber.

"I told you already I'm no King, I'm just a teacher." Saber said but then laughed a bit. "But I suppose I'm a Servant first." Saber added and thus the two shared a chuckle. "So, I suppose we've turned this Grail War into a Grail Dialogue." Saber finished as she saw right through Rider.

"Precisely a dialogue to decide who amongst us is most worthy to claim the Holy Grail." Rider said and thus he smiled to Saber. "So let us decide as we drink our fill and converse." Rider said and thus Saber laughed to this.

"Ah just like the good old days when Rowena, Helga, Sally, and I would invade a tavern after exploring an uncharted land." Saber said as she recalled those fond days. "If we're not in a bar brawl we're singing merrymaking tunes." Saber said and then took a swing of her wine.

Just then a golden Glow came from nearby and thus all eyes fell to it. Harry and Gabrielle went wide eyed when they saw who it was. "I believe that is enough nonsense." The Servant of the Bow Archer said as the King of Heroes Gilgamesh made himself known. "You Mongrels." He finished while approaching the duo.

"Archer what brings you here?" Saber asked and thus Rider chuckled to this.

"Yes, well I had also invited him to this meeting as well." Rider said as he looked to Archer. "Though you're a little late, Goldie though it stands to reason seeing as you travelled by foot." Rider said and thus Gilgamesh glared at him.

"You actually chose to have a banquet of Kings in this decrepit place?" Archer asked as Saber glared at him.

"Hey me and my friends worked our asses off to build this place, not our fault wear and tear got the best of it." Saber said defending Rowena's craftsmanship.

"I cannot deny it had its splendor if your Noble Phantasm is to be believed." Archer said as Saber recalled using her Noble Phantasm against the Hungarian Horntail, good times. "Now how do you plan to recompense me for the rudeness of calling me here?" Archer asked and thus Saber then laughed to this.

"Bloody hell I swear you and Salazar would have gotten along splendidly until he got tired of that stick up your ass." Saber laughed before taking her fill. "Why not just relax yourself and pull up a seat." Saber said and thus offered to Archer her own drink. "Unwind, get drunk, and get laid." Saber said as Archer scoffed and took the offered drink.

He then sniffed it before gagging and giving it back to Saber. "What is this disguising swill do you plan to host a gathering of Heroic Spirits with this swine?" Archer gagged as Saber took offense to that.

"Hey, I'll have you know that was from my own personal stocks, the Rowena had been trying years to hide from me." Saber said still boasting his victory over Rowena who could never find Sabers secret stash.

"You are pitifully ignorant of a true drink, stupid mongrel." Archer said and thus Saber smirked to him.

"Alright then, enlighten me." Saber said and thus Archer summoned from his Royal Treasury a flash of wine and three cups all of which were gold. Rider got happy while Saber just smirked at the challenge.

"Now behold and acknowledge your folly this is the beverage of a true King." Archer said and thus he gave a cup to the two Servants keeping one for himself.

"A fine treasure indeed." Rider said and thus Saber held her cup for a pour. Once the drinks were poured Saber and Rider took a swing of it.

Once Rider finished his sip, he was smiling to it. "Oh magnificent!" Rider called out as Saber looked to her with a defeated sigh.

"Ok I'm humble enough to admit when I'm wrong." Saber said as she looked to her drink after she had tasted it.

"My treasury only houses the finest of drinks and the finest of swords." Archer said swishing his own drink a bit before drinking it. "This alone should indicate which among us is the greatest of Kings." Archer said as he admired his treasures.

"I keep finding myself repeating the same thing, I am no King I'm just a humble teacher." Saber said as she got looks from the other two for that.

"Even now sitting amongst your fellows you deny your stature as a King." Rider laughed a bit finding it funny yet curious as to why Saber who had all the needed virtues denies herself as a King.

"Let her be, she knows her place." Archer added as he looked over to Saber who then glared at him but then kept her cool.

"So, you say but I see differently." Rider said before focusing his attention on the drink. "Though I shall admit Archer your finest drink is indeed worthy of the finest vessel in all of history." Rider said as he then smirked to Archer. "But the Holy Grail is not a drinking cup, first we must hear what wish you would have it grant should you win it." He spoke as that was the entire goal of the war. "The wish is what gives it its purpose." Rider said and thus Saber just sat there watching the two Kings debate.

"You are not ruler here, Mongrel. Already you wantonly disregard the time-honored rules which dictate we fight for the Grail." Archer said with his eyes closed before he took another sip of his drink. "Besides all that the Grail already belongs to me all of this world's treasures without exception trace their origins to my treasury." Gilgamesh said causing the two servants to look towards him with intrigue.

"If they do then that means you held the Holy Grail at some point, so go ahead King of Heroes gives us the juicy description of it." Saber said with a cocky smirk on her face.

"No." Archer began as he held his drink calmly. "Do not consider me as you would a lesser being." He began his arrogance ever present. "The amount of Wealth in my treasury long ago surpassed my own knowledge." Archer explained with a calm tone. "But the fact the Holy Grail is a treasure also means that it belongs to me." Archer said and thus Saber scowled a bit. "And any who would take it for themselves is not but a filthy scoundrel and a common thief." He finished and thus Saber voice her objections to this.

"Ok I take it back, even Salazar isn't that much of an arrogant ass." Saber said with a tired scowl on her face before drinking her cup.

"Come now let's not go that far." Rider laughed as he saw Saber had got a small rise from Archer. "Still Rider, King of Heroes it seems you suggesting that if we wish for the Grail, we must get your permission first." Rider said and thus Archer confirmed it.

"Indeed, but I see no reason to reward lowly mongrels of your ilk." Archer said and thus Saber laughed to this.

"That's fine I've never been one to ask for permission before doing something." Saber said but had more to add. "More so I've never been one to be much of a good follower either." Saber added with a grin and a wink of her eyes.

"Now whose the arrogant one?" Archer asked firing back at Saber for her previous comment.

"But still the way you talk doesn't sound like you have any desire for the Grail, if I'm wrong go ahead and correct me." Saber said and thus Archer chuckled to this.

"No, you are correct, but I must past judgement upon those who'd dare steal from it, it's simply a manner of principle." Archer said and thus Rider had to ask for that.

"And on what moral standpoint and reasoning are these principles of yours based?" Archer asked as he looked to Gilgamesh.

"It is the law, my law which I set down as the rightful King." Archer said with a smirk towards Rider.

"Perfect living by one's own laws is, the epidemy of Kingship." Rider said before finishing his drink. "Nevertheless, I desire the Holy Grail so badly I can taste it." Iskander said as he smiled to his words. "And it's always been my style to take what I want after all Iskander is the King of Conquerors is he not." Rider said and in turn this brought the question of what Rider's wish was.

"Right and wrong are irrelevant you break the law, and I will punish you there is no place for discussion." Archer said but then Saber laughed and got their attention.

"Please its only breaking the law if your caught." Saber said as she was more of a free thinker in this case. "But since we all have different views the only path for us now is to fight it out, it's going to be fun." Saber said as she looked forward to the fight for the Grail. "But until then, lets finish this off and if we're sober enough, we can kill each other after." Saber said taking the flask Archer had summoned. "You may be a guest in my castle buts its rude to let a good drink go to waist." Saber added and thus Archer smiled to this.

"Indeed." Archer said and thus they each had a refill.

But as they enjoyed the drinks Saber had one thing bugging her. "I must ask Rider, what is your desire why do you want the Grail so badly?" Saber asked with curiosity in her voice.

Rider took a moment and downed his drink in one gulp before putting it down. "Reincarnation." Iskander said surprising the Servant of the Sword and Servant of the Bow.

"But Iskander you said your goal was world conquest!" Gabrielle cried out as she ran over only for Iskander to grab her and sit her down once she got close.

"Why would I leave the conquering to a mere cup?" Iskander asked as Saber began to smile a bit into her drink. "Conquering the world is my dream to make true. The wish I would ask of the Holy Grail is the first step towards that goal." Iskander said as he was calm as he spoke this with Gabrielle sitting down next to him.

"Mongrel you would challenge me for my treasure over something so Trivial?" Archer asked with a glare at Iskander but one that held a hint of respect for him.

"I get what you mean." Saber said as she then downed her own drink. "Magic has allowed us to form in this world but yet we remain Servants." Saber said and thus she smiled to Iskander. "You wish to live as flesh and blood so you may conquer the world once more, correct?" Saber asked and thus Rider laughed.

"Why of course, to defy heaven and earth with my own body that is the true meaning of conquest!" Rider announced as he knew Saber and him were like minded individuals.

"Then the matter is settles." Archer said with a grin on his face. "I shall take great pleasure in killing you myself." Archer said as he had a bit of respect for Rider.

"No need to remind me of that but make no mistake I plan to plunder your treasury until it is laid bare so get ready." Rider said and in turn he turned his attention back to Saber. "So, Saber do tell me what wish you desire from the Holy Grail?" Rider asked and thus Saber smirked to this.

"You should have already known, you just said it out loud, Rider." Saber said and thus now it was Riders turn to be surprised. "In the final years of my life, I had imparted my knowledge and skills to the students who walked these hallowed halls so they may in turn pass that same knowledge onto those they teach as well as add to that knowledge giving the future generations the tools, they need to forge this world in any way they see fit." Saber said before finishing her drink. "I wish to see the world my students would build in what way they changed the world in what form the world had taken I wish to see it all." Saber said revealing that she wanted to see what her students had made when she was gone.

Rider for his part laughed a big bellowing laugh when he heard this. "When you say such words, I find your claims denying your kingship a falsehood." Rider said before he went back to laughing.

"Because I am no King!" Saber shouted as she slammer her fist to the table. "I am neither fit to be a King nor is the path of Kingship my own choice." Saber said as she made it clear. "It's not well known but Hogwarts was originally supposed to be the seat of my power I was to be her King not her guardian nor headmaster." Saber said after taking a moment to calm herself down. "My whole life I was told that I was to be a King and there was no other path but that and I rejected it because it was not a path of my choosing." Saber spoke which got the two Kings before her listening. "So, when the time came that I was to be crowned that I would claim the Sword of Promised Victory, I rejected it all and sought the horizon instead of the castle of stone and magic and with my dear friends I transformed that would be kingdom into a place of refuge for the children who seek guidance in their powers." Saber said as she recalled her several regrets.

"I won't deny that my path has lead, to many regrets but I bare those regrets as my cross, no matter what those who claim otherwise say." Saber said and thus she looked to Rider. "I am no King nor do I desire to be a King so if either of you claim this to be my fate then I reject that fate and write my own." Saber said and thus this got Rider laughing once more in fact her speech had even gotten Archer laughing as well.

"Truly Saber you are am amusing woman." Archer laughed as he found Saber's entire idea the very thing that leads to her fate as a King.

"A King who rejects his fate as a King yet writes his own fate as a King would never have, I heard something as amusing as this." Rider said as he found Saber had contradicted herself that she seeks not the path of a King but by writing her own fate she unknowingly walks the path of a King.

"Apologies Saber." Rider began with a chuckle after calming down. "It's just for some reason you seem to stir a memory that I have no recollection of." Rider spoke as he looked to his drink. "You embody the very ideas of what a King should be and had no doubt been both respected and envied by your allies and retainers." Rider spoke as he smiled to Saber. "You truly are an amusing figure Saber you are told you are fated to be King, so you reject it for it was not of your own choosing but by writing your fate you make yourself a King regardless." Rider said as it was truly a puzzle for him.

Harry meanwhile just watched it all with bated breath as he found this entire discussion to be most enlightening. In fact, he wished that Hermione were here to see it for all its worth. To see three great figures of history all from different eras having this sort of discussion.

"Tell me then, King of Conquerors why do I seem to walk the values of a King to you?" Saber asked as she looked to Rider wanting answers from him.

"You embody all things good and evil Saber. You laugh louder and rage longer than any." Rider spoke as he looked to Saber. "This entire school was built upon the foundation you made for it and brought to life by those loyal to you and the dream you had no doubt envisioned." Rider said speaking words of praise to Saber. "You who refuses the path of a King have unknowingly walked the path of the King that you were fated to be though not a conqueror you were a King of the People you became the one all aspired to be and even now you refuse to accept that you were and have always been a King." Rider said as while he was praising Saber for her similar ideals as his own, he also scolded her for refusing the Crown of which she was most worthy.

"Tell me, Saber, why did you refuse your crown even when it was yours to claim as most worthy of it?" Rider asked and thus Saber grew quiet her mind drifting to the past to the day she died. The day that marked her greatest regret.

(Brief Flashback)

Godria Gryffindor laid on the ground her body cold and limp with blood spilling from her wounds. In her right hand was the Sword of Promised Victory, Excalibur. But her left hand was a few inches away from the right hand of another who laid nearby also dead. Looking to the eyes of another Godria looked to her friend and one time lover Salazar Slytherin. The disagreement that split them apart had begot this in the end and all Godria wanted was to be with her loved ones though not like this. In between them was a Prophesy orb a darkened one showing that the Prophesy it foretold had been fulfilled.

(End Flashback)

Saber refused to answer that question since it connected to a personal matter if hers. "I see..." Rider said as he had a better understanding of it. "Saber, Noble King of the People whatever had led you away from your crown it was a path of your own taking and while you regret it you have accepted it long ago." Rider said as he could not tell if he should be upset with Saber or respect her.

Just then Archer began to laugh which annoyed Saber. "What are you laughing about?" Saber asked and thus Archer smirked at Saber.

"Oh, nothing I simply thought that your anguished face was a lovely sight." Archer said causing Saber to growl at the man in gold armor. "It was the face of the virgins who showered me with flower petals at my bed. A woman after my own heart." Archer said and in response Saber smirked before laughing at Archer.

"Sorry Archer but you're not my type." Saber said before she got down to it. "Try to fix that attitude of yours and get a body mass similar to his and then we'll talk." Saber said pointing her thumb over to Rider revealing she likes men with big muscles. "In fact, there was one man who'd I've tried to bring into my bed chamber several times." Saber said recalling one man as her fantasy showed herself int he arms of a man with a burly beard and a strongman build that toward over everyone.

"Of course, she's a weirdo." Harry said with a sigh of defeat but all of a sudden, the Three Servants were on edge. In turn appearing in a flash of magic Berserker appeared crashing through the massive windows of the Great Hall and breaking up the banquet. Once their Berserker roared out in fury showing he was here for a fight.

"Great here we go again." Saber said as just then Fleur appeared.

"Stand aside Saber, we're not here for you." Fleur said and thus she glared at Rider. "I'm here for Rider and only Rider." Fleur said glaring at Rider.

"Oh?" Rider asked intrigued by this challenge.

"By eliminating you, Gabrielle will be spared of the War." Fleur said and thus it was clear she was trying to knock Gabrielle out of the Grail War. "Gabrielle use your Command Seals to make Rider commit Suicide." Fleur said looking to her sister surprising Gabrielle with those words.

"W-what?!" Gabrielle asked shocked to be given such an order.

"Gabrielle do it now or Berserker will have to tear him apart!" Fleur yelled as she glared at her sister but the winded look, she had showed she was trying to keep Berserker at bay.

"I..." Gabrielle trailed off as her hand with the Command Seals twitched.

"She will do no such thing!" Rider spoke as he stepped forward to face Berserker. "If the order comes from another, she will never perform the deed." Rider said as Gabrielle was surprised by this. "So, Servant of Madness why not remove the helmet and join us in our banquet. It shall be as your blood." Rider announced only for Berserker to roar and attack them. Archer got the drinks he brought out of the way while he and the other Servants avoided the attack.

"I see so that's how it is." Rider said as the spilled contents of Sabers liquor was spilled all over the floor. "In that case." Rider said just as Berserker went on the attack. But instead releasing a powerful Aura Rider was able to blast him back. Grinding through the tables of the Great Hall Berserker eventually came to a stop and glared up at Rider who stood with his arms crossed while his power caused his cape to billow heroically. "Saber Archer here is our banquets final question." Rider spoke as he prepared to use his trump card. "It is, does a King always stand alone?" Rider asked and thus Saber already have an answer.

"No one stands alone." Saber spoke as she looked to Rider. "Be they King, or lowly servant people are strongest when they are united." Saber said and thus Rider grinned seeing that even now Saber speaks as a true King.

"Exactly Saber now allow me to present to the both of you the truth of these ideals!" Rider called out and thus began to summon forth his ace in the hole. Soon the energy reached its apex and everyone in the room was blinded by its power to the point all was silent and quiet.

(Reality Marble)

Soon the silence gave way to light as everyone regained their vision to find themselves at an endless dessert. "By Hecate." Godria gasped as she saw the desert.

"Saber!" Harry called out as he joined the group while Berserker looked around confused. "What is this?" Harry asked trying to figure out how they got to a dessert.

"It's a Reality Marble." Saber said as she recognized it for what it was. "A mental landscape that materializes into the real world." Saber explained as she then looked to her Master. "Rowena had something just like this back in the day." Saber added and thus Rider could be heard grinning.

"My glorias armies once rode across these sands. A place where all the heroes who stood with me through joy and sorrow will never forget." Rider spoke as soon enough the sound of marching was heard causing all eyes to look towards the source of it. "I can make this world as real as real can ever be because it still exists deep within our hearts!" Rider announced spreading his arms out to present his Reality Marble.

Then to the shock of Harry, Saber, Gabrielle, and even Fleur they saw an army marching towards them. "Behold my endless armies!" Rider announced as they all bore witness to Iskander's once mighty army. "Their bodies utterly destroyed, and their souls offered to the current world as Heroic Spirits of old and still these legendary heroes pledge their loyalty to me!" Rider announced as his army joined him ready for battle at their kings' orders.

Harry could not fathom the level of loyalty this army had for this one man. Gabrielle even found it hard to believe that a mighty empire like this fell so long ago. "My bond with them is my greatest treasure my path to Kingship! The ultimate Noble Phantasm that I possess. IONIOI HETAIROI!" Iskander roared out so that even the heavens above would hear him. In response his army roared as they were at long last reunited with their beloved King.

Just then a black Horse rode in and in turn Rider smiled and rubbed its head. "It's been a long time, partner." Rider said before he turned towards his army. "Hear me! A king must live a grand life and embody his people's image of aspiration!" Rider announced as his army cheered to their King. "He who is worthy of all Heroes envy and he who leads their way that is a King! Therefore, the King is not alone for his will he pulls that of all who would follow him to ultimate glory combined!" Rider roared and in response his army cheered for their King once more.

"Now then... shall we begin this battle Berserker?" Rider asked knowing that a Berserker is worth an army and Rider has an army to spare. Rider then mounted the horse and was ready for battle. "As you can see you may be considered worth an army it is time, we put that theory to the test." Rider said and thus he gave the order. "ANNIHILATE HIM!" Rider roared out his order and in response his army charged into battle with Rider leading the charge. IT was a miracle they did not trample Harry, Saber, or Gabrielle but Berserker was not afraid. Roaring out he charged into the battle to meet his foes head on.

The battle began as Berserker began to fight his way through the army taking their weapons to use his own Noble Phantasm. But in doing so it only made Iskandar's army fight harder. Berserker was not going to win this fight it was clear for everyone who watched but that did not mean he would not go down swinging. Weapons and spears stabbed into him Berserker was being turned into a living pincushion but yet he did not falter in his path.

Swords and spears were sticking out of his back as he tried to hold his ground. But it was for not the army overpowered and outnumbered him as the weight he felt forced him to his knees. As he laid there Rider ride in and looked to Berserker. Berserker stood his ground and charged at Rider only to be stabbed in the gullet for his efforts. Berserker was held there for a bit before he eventually began to go limp and fell to the ground unmoving. Rider for his part roared out in triumph as his army did the same showing they bested the Servant of Madness and in turn the Reality Marble began to vanish.

(Great Hall)

Rider sat in the chair once more as Fleur ran over to the downed Berserker. "Berserker!" Fleur cried out as she had her wand out to try and heal his wounds. But instead, he just took her hand in his and held it there. He turned his head to deny her the task as he knew it was too late for him.

With his free hand he reached for his helmet but could not find the strength to remove it. Helping him Fleur removed his helmet and thus revealed the face of violet haired man with tired violet eyes. "Lancelot." Berserker at long last spoke to Fleur. "Please Fleur, use my name Lancelot." Berserker said and thus Harry was wide eyed.

"Lancelot as in the Knight of the Lake a member of the Knights of the Round Table." Harry said realizing who Fleur's servant was.

"Alright, Lancelot." Fleur said as she knew this was a final request sort of thing.

"I'm sorry my lady I could not best him as you asked." Lancelot said as everyone remained quiet.

"It's ok you... you did your best, Lancelot." Fleur said as she did care deeply for Berserker, Lancelot Knight of the Lake.

Feeling that his time Lancelot could only smile sadly to her. "Thank you, Fleur for calming my madness." Lancelot said and soon his body fell silent, and his form vanished into blue particles to rejoin the Throne of Heroes. Her remaining two Command Seals vanished as clearly; she used one of them to order Berserker to take out Rider at all costs.

Berserker had become the first casualty of the Holy Grail War and in turn Gabrielle was now the sole Champion of her school. "That Ending was not as grand as I had hoped." Rider said as taking out Berserker and upsetting Fleur who had noble intentions left a bad taste in his mouth. "I suppose its best we adjourn for now we have said all that has been needed to be said." Rider said and thus began to depart.

"Wait Rider!" Saber called out but Rider stopped her.

"You may keep silent." Rider said as he looked away from Saber. "You have all the makings and the ideals of a King and even when your life's calling is before you, you continue to defy it." Rider said as he knew why Saber defied this calling of her. "Do not deny who you are King awaken from the dream you built around yourself otherwise you stand to lose even the ideal that makes you worthy of Kingship." Rider said as he then proceeded to take his leave.

Meanwhile Gabrielle walked over to Fleur who was on her knees looking at where Lancelot used to be with tears streaming down her face. Fleur... are you... will you be, ok?" Gabrielle asked as she got on her knees to Fleur. Fleur looked to her younger sister and hugged her close and hugged her tight almost like this would be the last time she ever saw her sister again.

"Come along, I will escort you both to your fellows." Rider said looking upon the two Quarter Veela's.

"Thank you." Fleur said and thus following they departed to inform their headmistress that Fleur had lost Berserker.

"Pay no heed to the low life mongrel." Archer said as he stood up from his summoned throne which vanished. "Your agonizing pain and terrible sorrow as the calling you reject comes for you is a splendid thing to look upon." Archer said as Saber simply glared at the man as he stood up. "Keep at it oh King of Cowards." Archer said once he got to his feet. "It is possible you may prove worthy of still more of my magnificent love." Archer said as he began to vanish from sight before their very eyes leaving only Harry and Saber in the Great Hall.

"Saber." Harry began as he saw Saber had a mournful look upon her face. It was a look he never once expected Godria to have.

"Hogwarts was never intended to be a school, not at first." Saber began as she stood there. "You once asked me of the why Salazar was depicted as a Blood Purist." Saber began and thus explained the story. "It's because of the Witch Hunts Salazar did not trust the muggle born because he always suspected them of being spies children promised salvation by their Church if they agreed to reveal all the secrets pertaining to magic to them." Saber said recalling those dark days.

"When we learned of the Chamber, we tried to convince him that he was paranoid I asked him begged him to reconsider the use of the Chamber, but he would not listen." Saber said as she then looked to her hand. "When he accused me of holding my own secrets as he would... we broke apart." Saber said and thus clenched her hand into a fist. "My rise to being a King was marked by a Prophesy, but it foretold that my rise would end by the hands of a close allies who would also be struck down by me." Saber said and then smiled sadly. "It's funny that often times we find our fates on the roads we take to avoid them." Saber said and thus Harry understood what happened.

"You fulfilled the prophesy by rejecting your crown." Harry said and thus Saber nodded to this.

"But that's in the past the only path for me is forward after all we have a War to win." Saber said burying her sorrow deep down where it belonged. But Harry begged to differ whatever had happened in the past had affected Saber deeply. But more than that, she was also right they had to win the Grail War and now that Berserker was out of the fight this will cause a raise in the stakes of it all.

(TBC)

ESKK: Another chapter finished and a new update. I will wait for reviews so be sure to leave some and as I always say on these things, ja-ne.