Witches and Wizards!
New Chap (＾∇＾)ﾉ
Chapter 30
When Draco Malfoy woke he felt as if He was cast into a dream. The pale sunlight falling through the shutters made him wince, it felt like the air disappeared around him. Suffocating, that's what he felt.
Yet he felt so cold, his fingers numb from the chilly air reigning in the darkroom. The bed beneath him was uncomfortable and his body felt heavy as if someone placed stones on his chest.
Where am I? He wondered if his memories were distant and blurred like rain. He had died, so much he knew. Daphne Greengrass pushed him off the lake, she drowned him, He was to die, but yet he was here. Alive.
He searched his memories, his head pounding in a painful rhythm.
"Careful, my dear," a familiar shaken voice gasped and touched his brow.
He inclined his head, his whole lower body brimming with pain. He recalled her golden hair and blue eyes.
"Mother!?" he whispered, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Draco," she cried."It is me." Embracing him.
"I should be dead," he said, his voice strained, afraid. Every part of his head burned with pain as he tried to remember the last moments before his death.
"Don't say that!" she snapped, a frown taking hold of her face. Then she put a goblet of water in his mouth.
He drank eagerly, but his thirst for answers was even greater.
"What happened?"
"The witch killed, almost killed you, if we were just a few seconds late, you wouldn't return to us!" Her tears started to fall. Then she grinned, baring her white teeth and brushed her hand over his cheek.
He remembered his struggle, to keep air within his lungs, he remembered her reflection above the water, He shivered violently. As he sat up he emptied his stomach on the floor beneath him.
The chill creeping back into his bones, The memory pierced him deeper than sharp.
He leaned against the wall as he tried to stand. Moving forward he stumbled over his feet like a newborn babe, but Narcissa was quick at his side and steadied him.
"No, you need to rest," she told him, but he ignored her. He needed answers. Now.
"I won't let her get with this!" Before Draco could finish, he saw Lucius bursting into the infirmary.
"You won't go anywhere" his father's voice called, pushing him back to the bed harshly, despite the frown creasing Narcissa's brows.
Lucius yanked him from the collar harshly " You were under Imperius curse, do you understand, you don't remember why you were there, you don't remember what you saw or who you saw, do you understand me, boy!" He hissed at him.
Draco's fist the bedding, biting his inner cheek. "She talked to him!" he snapped angrily, his dark eyes piercing into him"A lie…it was just a nightmare," His father restored.
"How are you doing, Draco?" The headmaster entered the infirmary, with a gentle smile.
Draco glanced at his father, who shot him a dangerous glare.
He clenched his fist tightly under the covers, licking his lips before he finally spoke.
The words that pleased his father,
By noon, he kept staring at the ceiling thinking of all that happened until he heard the student next to him shift in its bed, moving the curtain.
Draco looked by the corner of his eye to see no one but Pansy Parkinson.
"She did that to me, she told me that… I can feel it in my bones," Pansy said, showing his bandaged arms, "they said it will leave scars forever," she gasped, painfully.
Draco's eyes gazed at her arms.
"You don't remember!" Pansy sighed.
Of course he remembered, it was a few days ago, long before the party. Some spreading rumours about Daphne's having a lover from a different house
If he recognised the blonde's character, she wouldn't be interested in any rumours flew around her, but if the words touched a sensitive spot. She won't let go of it.
Daphne ran to Pansy first accusing her in the middle of the common room.
"I never thought of you to be that low…" Daphne hissed.
"Look who's talking, you have acted more mighty than all of us while you were shagging some Blood-gods-knows-who- Gryffindor," Pansy scoffed.
The entire room burst in whispers.
Draco stepped between them, trying to stop any future fights but Pansy pushed him away, stepping further.
Daphne's eyes only hardened, and Draco could see clearly from the corner, her jaw tightening. She chuckled.
"Well, at least I do not spread my legs to any person who pretends to love me," she smirked.
Pansy's face reddened and raised her hand, it was quick to notice that she slapped Daphne harshly on the face, causing her almost to lose her balance.
The echo of the slap, freeze everyone around the room, no one expected that, the entire room went into a deep silence as if someone cast a muting spell.
Draco saw a smirk of victory on Pansy's lips, following to see Daphne who was still looking shocked, probably, her hair covering her face as if she froze from the slap.
"The fuck you did, Pansy!" Tracey snapped, about to approach her but Draco noticed Daphne signing with her hand to stop.
Daphne slowly raised her face and stared at Pansy, everyone clearly can see the red mark on her cheek.
The blonde witch tilted her head, Draco's heard a 'snap' voice from her neck, his breath hitched as he saw for the first in his life, a danger stare, a gaze of a murderer, cold-hearted murderer.
Daphne approached Pansy, it felt as if time stopped, as she came face to face with The dark hair girl.
Pansy hesitated, clenching her wand tightly, preparing for a battle but…
Daphne settled her eyes on Pansy. She measured her with her eyes only.
Draco wanted to know what was in the blonde witch's mind, moving closer.
He saw her leaning to Pansy's shoulder, whispering in a dark tone in her ear, a tone he never thought the ice Queen had.
He heard the words.
"Remember this day...this hour...this... moment...For shall you will regret for the rest of your life." Daphne whispered, and walked out of the room.
Draco should have known how dangerous Greengrass could be, there were always signs of her madness. Now it was clear.
He saw her talk fearlessly to the strongest wizard, he saw her torturing a teacher, burning a student and drowning him. He was her friend, they laughed together, he shared a secret with her, a horrible secret and yet she betrayed him.
But why? Why did his father protect her, why?
Parkinson's claim was not enough, there was no proof she did that to her.
He remembered his father calling her «her highness » a Royal title, whoever she was, she was very important.
Draco heard his parents talking while he pretended to be asleep, he heard his father saying that she left school, that that person won't like it.
"What has she done to you?" Pansy's voice broke his chain of thoughts.
"What's enough to make me her enemy…"
"The hell is happening here?" Tracey burst, following behind both Blaize and Theo.
"We were worried about you pal," Theo sat on Draco's bed.
Both Pansy and Draco glanced at each other.
"No need to lie, you suddenly get burned, it is not like you don't deserve it but I feel sorry for you and you out of blue end up in the hospital wing with no reason but a stomach ache which I don't buy! And my best friend is missing!" Tracey snapped, with a fast breath.
Draco sighed and said the same thing his father demanded of him.
He knows nothing.
Pansy however decided to do otherwise and tell the teachers.
Astoria, who attempted to visit Draco Malfoy after discovering him ill, heard the two Slytherins conversation, she frowned if her guess was right and they had talked about her previous adopted sister.
"You want me to do what?"Astoria blurted.
"I want you to cover for me, "Daphne replied more firmly.
'why?'
Daphne looked around, as her roommate entered the room, staying silent until the girl left. Astoria could see frustration on the ice facade of her sister. She has recalled all her reactions already. And this was a first!
She hadn't forgiven her yet but they were on peace.
"It is not safe here for me anymore," Daphne eyed her wearily.
Astoria thought that it was because of the bullying her sister endured recently, she looked down at their joining hand. As the eldest squeezed them tightly. The youngest raised her eyes to meet with the bleeding eyes of the eldest.
"And neither for you either," she added.
Astoria scuffed for that. But the seriousness of Daphne easily killed down the laughter.
Astoria leaned forward, closer that she could feel the breath of her sister and whispered, "does it have anything to do with the disappearance of Potter, do you believe the rumours?"
Astoria noticed the sudden change in Daphne breathing as the girl gulped before talking again, "why do you think your father adopted me?"
Astoria went silent to that. But Daphne continued, "I did not want you to know but he is involved widely in this mess. Once I go, if things turn to the worst, you leave for your safety, don't tell anyone where," Daphne stood to her trunk.
"I won't!" Astoria protested. "Father, I can't do this to him, I'm not you!"
The blonde witch cursed and went to Astoria, grasping her from shoulders. Astoria felt a shower of memories belonging to Daphne, running through her mind.
"What's the meaning of this?" Astoria murmured in fear.
"Exactly what you saw." Daphne hissed. Astoria felt tears falling, and she caught her mouth, to cover her gasps of weeping.
"Now do you understand why you have to go?"Daphne hugged her.
For the first time since the two has ever known each other, the blonde witch hugged the youngest sister.
Astoria felt terror but the hug she received from the blonde, encouraged her to keep her stand.
"I can't do it," she uttered.
"You can and you will,"
"Where do I go?"
Daphne finally smiled, "I already managed that for you,"
Part of her believed that the war had started, and she should listen to Daphne's advice and leave the country.
She pursed her lips, tightly… many thoughts absorbing her mind.
She hit the wall with her fist and cursed," Fuck her," and went inside the hospital wing.
Potiphar Vasilian celebrated in the nearest wizard Inn, he took pity on the soldiers and Harry's group after the epic battle against dark forces.
Everyone laughed, got drunk and puked, tired with injuries and wounds.
Potiphar was curious about his sister-in-law's group but knowing her, she wouldn't pick anyone.
Instead of taking them to the castle, the big threat was eliminated, there was no worries.
His sister-in-law was recovering from her injuries, luckily for her, Yan Lin took care of them. The sudden alliance between her and her brother, the king, shocked him, he was afraid that she may start a civil war just like Eros did before her.
He tried to reason with Phobos for peace, he did not expect that he was already dealing with her to catch the traitors, unfortunately, and more like a disappointment and embarrassment.
His flesh and blood, the son of his parents, was a traitor, he broke one of the first tutelage.
He worked with demons, Daphne as Kou corrected him to call her from day on. The fox told him that he should not be embarrassed; he had nothing to do with it.
He was also curious about the emerald eye young man, his name was known in Europe.
Harry James Potter...
Sirius Black and his friend Remus Lupin, a werewolf. He did not know him more than being part of the English sacred circle of purebloods. But his lieutenant recognised him as an old mate from their training days.
If Daphne trusted him, he did... however not wholly.
But why would someone like him get involved with Daphne in the first place?
He shrugged the thought and decided to check on the city while he let them all retreat the night and gave them something to celebrate, of course, the other knights were working as shit alongside the Aurors, to obliviate the entire city. Including mages themselves as well.
It has been said that war and battles make strange bedfellows, and nowhere was this truer than the Dark-haired handsome pureblood wizard and the knights, side-by-side at the fire in the hearth of the hall of some inn. When they had met the earlier day before, they had been strangers, opposites in nearly every way, perhaps even enemies for a moment. But now, they drank from matching mugs and recounted the events of the Battle of Dragon, arms slung companionably around each other's shoulders.
Remus Lupin on the opposite side, laughing and drinking, a werewolf was not, he was just a man with others celebrating.
"Did I tell you about how Larken appeared from nowhere and speared two bloody demons who were inches from tearing out my throat?" asked Sirius.
"Three or four times," said Remus Lupin.
Larken waved off Sirius's praise. "That's nothing. What about Black throwing himself to distract the demon that had me in a choke-hold?"
"Six or seven," said Harry.
Ignoring this decided lack of enthusiasm, Sirius began the tale afresh, with Remus listening on and shaking his head as he held up the life-saving appendage. "It was all I could think of! Might as well get some use out of it."
Charlotte put her drink down and looked with a Very serious expression then she hiccuped, "I cannot believe the huge resemblance between James and you!" She awed, touching Harry's face.
Sirius and Remus laughed at that, watching Harry's resistance to the woman.
And Harry wanted nothing but to escape this physical contact. "You know, I haa *hiccup* huuuuuge *hiccup* crush on your dad!" She trapped his face between her hands. But her words caught him off guard…
"Leave the boy alone." Larken interrupted her.
More drinks came and saved Harry from the woman's hands. Harry however avoided drinking with them, he needed fresh air to clear his mind, thousands of questions had been running through his head.
Harry stood abruptly, the legs of his chair scraping across the stone floor. "I'm going to go outside, get some air."
Remus and Sirius both seemed preoccupied with the stranger man, Larken telling him stories of the days Sirius used to train with them.
Harry's most questions included the voice of a woman he heard, could it be Hecate? But she led him down the temple, to the grave of mother Vasilia. He still feels that spiritual thing just by thinking of it.
Dragonslayer, they called him, he still could see the shock and awe in their faces all.
Frequently he was himself stunned.
All he could remember was following his instinct and holding the sword. The sword disappeared once he finished the dragon. The only thing that was left of it was the handle.
Harry hid it within its clothes.
He needed to understand and discover what kind of sword was that, a sword that slew a Dragon.
How and when did the Knights become their allies? Or what happened in the castle? Remember the words that cousin said before they started their fight.
But worst the dark eyes that he saw, no the entire demon shape that took over the look of the blonde… that image kept hunting him
Was it her or Lilith? Was it like the last time? Was she going to murder them all?
So many questions… endless ones. Painful ones.
He found himself at the doors of her room without thinking, after all, he wasn't her husband here, he was a fellow Soldier that worked under her order.
As he entered, he released a breath he did not assume that he was even holding, searching with his eyes, Kou wasn't around.
The fox avoided her, lacking around, perhaps because of his nature, The latter almost died too. But not to hurt the girl's feelings he pretended that he was mad at her for letting the pups alone. Lack of responsibility he claimed.
For Harry's part, he could understand the demon, he felt magic draining off him, back then but was not as a dangerous threat as to the demons.
He found Yan Lin stitching Daphne's injuries...again.
She was still unconscious, he could see the sweat dripping off her forehead, her face read.
"It's just a fever, honestly… What a pain in the arse! " Yan Lin turned to wash her hands.
Harry noticed the blood of his wife on The healer's hands.
"Make sure, to give her a spoon from that bottle every ten minutes, she must drink it…" she told him while she left.
After two hours, the young witch's face turned to normal, and Harry fought the sleep to keep an eye on her… Kou told him to leave but he refused.
The image of the dragon hitting her kept playing over and over in his mind. Every time he closed his eyes, A human would have died.
Not moments later, he heard some noise, he raised his eyes to see Daphne was up, laying on her bed watching the stars.
"That fucking old hag shut down my magic system…" she groaned,
"You okay!" He jumped off his chair.
"Alive," she whispered, "Go ahead, you can say it," she added, rolling her eyes.
"Sorry love but it was better this way for you to recover faster, Also you were perfectly awful out there, for a moment I mistook you for a man,"
"One more word and you will see that man again," she looked at him for a moment.
There was a heavy pause that ended with Harry's laughter, "okay, okay you were a warrior goddess, but in a dark, demonic, sexy way," he approached.
"I was in control, I didn't mean to push you. Sometimes, power could be…" she said, not averting her eyes from the starry night.
A sound came from him, a word that stopped against his throat as he began to reply. She didn't look at him as she was too scared to see his reaction again, the shock and fear in his eyes when he saw her look, scared she may lose it again if she did. He let the silence blanket over them, and Daphne held her breath when it became one of the only sounds in the room, broken and pitiful. His breathing was the only sound then, heavier than hers but uneven as well.
"I know…" he sat down by the feet of the bed.
"Sirius is feeling better, laughing and vomiting as shit but Remus seems out…" he looked at the fire, his hands clenching, should he say it or just keep up the facade of the cool bloke.
He was in agony and she seemed fine, the previous days hadn't been nice to him.
He run his hand through his hair and snapped, "what the fuck were you thinking!" he growled, his eyes flashing with an added flame of fury.
The was a pregnant a silence ended up with Daphne's voice breaking it, "I thought that someone was leaking Infos to the dark lord but I did not know who, besides he wanted my powers, he thought if he snitched me and pushed the crime to me, I would run away...to him for safety." Daphne said, in a monotonous tune.
Harry's breath caught in his throat, jaw tightening, he hated to be the last to be informed. Especially when it includes him. Voldemort was playing on all of them. Like chess.
"–So I turned the table to me, I contacted my dearest half-brother the other night…Phobos realize that the rebels' allegiance turned to me as soon as Eros died, but to make sure they won't rebel again, he and I found an agreement, to avoid any future civil war again..." She started telling him how the secret alliance happened.
"So I made a deal with Phobos to hand him the traitor…" she shrugged.
"So you... directed a play and we were the actors…" Harry said, filling his face with a look of mocking humour. That he did not find any humour in it, to feel himself playing again, he walked to the bedside table and took a glass in his hand, filling it with some elf wine.
It turned out it was her favourite, and she loved drinking it even in her condition.
"Not entirely, the play changed when Eva died…" her jaw tightening. "You were not meant to fight them…I should have told you my plan, but you wouldn't agree. I know you won't,"
"Now what?"
"Someone needs to be punished in the end…" Her eyes fluttered to his, searching, mouth slightly parted.
"That was not cool," he commented.
"You were supposed to fight Deatheaters only, that's what I let you do in the first place, Don't make it look like I used you!" She snapped. Her cheeks were red.
Harry darted his eyes away absorbing the information.
This was too much to take, "But it's not easy,"
"It never was…" she whispered.
He turned his stare to her and wished to kiss those lips, but he hadn't forgiven her, and she was right, someone needed to be punished, and that would be her. If she wasn't to show up, he would have been dead, and the others too.
Voldemort thought of everything except Daphne's true loyalty. Believing her to be always running from her family. It was an unexpected move and a brave one. But where does her loyalty lies exactly?
"Thank you, Daphne." His voice was soft, the crackling of the fire in the hearth was louder than him. Her gaze softened.
He meant it, thanks to her, he survived the battle, and thanks to her, he figured it out himself.
"You know… you can sleep next to me…," she suddenly suggested. Harry blinked at her and she groaned. "I'm not asking for a shag! My mouth is the only moving thing in me right now," she flushed.
Harry chuckled " and great things happen with just a mouth,"
She gaped at him, but he soon found himself beside her, he could not resist her at the end.
"Won't they suspect?"
"No one will walk in,"
He laid next to her, his eyes fixed on her blood bandages, he felt guilty for being weak, his wounds were faint. Easily cured. Hers…
"Don't overthink about it, I barely feel anything…" she chuckled.
His eyes met hers, and couldn't smile, " Nah! I'm just proud, they truly underestimate you," he said brushing back her hair, softly, relaxing her.
"I love being treated that way," she moaned. Until she finally went to a deep sleep, then he walked out of the bed. Leaving the small Inn west, back to the same crumble temple.
He stopped for a moment when he saw the giant dragon laying down on the ground.
That thing in Harry's eyes was still alive, pointing his giant mouth at him. Ready to fire at any moment, he blinked and moved past him, back inside the temple.
This time he did not have the threat of the dead monster behind him. He took in the statues of the dead members of the royal family. Each had ruins written under its stone. Only members would recognize them obviously and the ruins were not familiar to Harry, perhaps Hermione would have understood it.
He wondered what his friends were doing, were they okay? Have they missed him? Mad at him?
He shook his head and walked between the fallen pillars that he caused.
He felt his body chill from that, Daphne certainly would be mad at him, she cherished her family's history.
He moved down the dark tunnel, in a quest of discovering this place.
Hermione walked down the hall with Ginny, discussing in hushed tones. "It's been three days now and Harry still disappeared," Ginny frowned.
Hermione did not know what to say frequently to her, the girl was madly in love with Harry. How painful the truth could be when it comes to light. Not that she wasn't right for her frustration. She, herself, was going mad for not hearing anything from Harry. And there was this feeling in her chest, that something bad was happening all the time.
She just felt suffocated.
Everyone kept giving her and Ron weird glances. Whispering:' the boy run away,', 'he was found probably guilty for Cedric's death and the school just doesn't want to share it,'
It was painful to hear all of this about her best friend, and could not say anything, not to Ron or Dumbledore or Ginny. Not to anyone.
In the beginning, she thought he was just having depression, but with time, she found out that he just gave up on letting the adults take care of him.
"I, solely, am responsible for the suffering that plagued this world. My selfish desires snuffed out the lives of the innocent, the pure, and the wicked." Hermione remembered what the blonde told her, she was calm as if knowing all about Harry's move, about everything. For a split second, Hermione was afraid of Daphne Greengrass. Harry's sudden interest in magic and training, not to mention the way he led and held his responsibilities, were way too much without thinking that someone was behind him.
He left Quidditch for god sake, the only thing that kept him sane in this school for years!
She wanted to reach Sirius but she had not heard from him either, she was frightened that maybe he was putting some distance between the two of them after that night in Grimmauld place. Or maybe he was with Harry.
Either the two choices or something else, However she hoped that both of them are safe.
It did not make it easy when she had breakfast, the blonde was not there with her friends, it was gloomy around the Slytherins in a very suspicious way.
Umbridge was rarely around, as if she was forced to teach or else she would not show up some said that Harry had done something to her and escaped, Some said a monster attacked Malfoy and Parkinson as well, why does Hermione feel something bad happened? She did not know and she wished not to know either.
Things were in Chaos, within the castle, as if the chamber of secrets was reopened again.
"I'm kinda scared," the young witch murmured, sadly.
"No need to worry," Hermione patted the red-haired sister of her best friend. Thousands of theories were running in her mind. she heard that the ice queen was sent to St Mungo, falling ill.
Maybe that was true, she met the girl before her leave, she looked pale and weak.
"Ginny, it would be safe for you if you just let go," she stopped and looked at her ginger friend. She licked her lips, looking away for some other way. "Ginny, I don't want you to raise any false hope and hurt yourself…" Hermione breathed out.
Ginny's face turned red, frowning. "Why would you say such a thing...I'm just worried, aren't you?" She huffed turning in the hall only to hit something or someone.
Ginny's book fell as she bowed to grasp them "watch where you are going!" She snapped at the person.
Hermione glanced back at the person, apologizing to him.
He was blinking at them as if he did not know they were even there.
He kneeled apologizing "my apologies! I haven't seen you at all, are you alright!?" He touched Ginny from the shoulder.
Hermione had never seen him before in school and he wasn't wearing a uniform of any house.
She did not notice another person wearing a cloak behind him "Your Gr– Sir! Let me do this instead!"
The guy shrugged, helping Ginny gather her book and her stand up.
"Don't you look in front of you! You need to learn a better way to apologize to a girl!" Ginny snapped at him.
'You were the one who didn't see, not him,' Hermione rolled her eyes. Before fixing them at the guy again. He was a handsome blond that she could not deny his attractiveness. She felt his eyes on her for a second, was he smirking at her?
Not! She was probably hallucinating.
"W-Well…" he stuttered awkwardly at Ginny's accusation. Who pointed her finger at his chest.
"Hey! Stay away from his gr–" the other man shouted, but the blond block raised his hand to stop him.
He took Ginny's hand and kissed its back "my deepest apology my sweet fair lady...it shall not happen again…" he smirked at her hand.
Hermione's breath hitched at the way he said it in a husky tone, and she could feel her face red as much as Ginny's right now.
He moved away with the other man, waving at the two of them "May the odds be in our favour and we meet again!" He told them.
After what seemed to be a forever of silence in the hall.
"Who? Was. That!" Ginny finally breathed.
When the evening arrived, she found a note under her bed, words she did not know how bad she wanted to read.
'the common room, 3 am,'
Phobos walked through the halls of Hogwarts watching the students walking by his side, students in his age, and others older than him.
He felt shallow, not because they were enjoying their time and studying together, while they had no idea they were in the presence of their king.
If he was born into a normal family, perhaps he was enjoying this time as well.
But responsibilities were waiting for him.
Eros that fucking lucky bastard, he decided to die and free himself from this task and let it all on his shoulders to carry the burden.
"Your Grace!" Dumbledore greeted him, surprised.
Phobos put on his usual smile and nodded at him.
"Why would the king visit this humble school?"
'How I hate the false compliments,' Phobos's aristocratic brow rose and smiled, finding himself a chair in front of the headmaster's desk.
"I must say, after what happened previously, I had to find a good advisor, someone I won't be disappointed in hearing his wise words," Phobos marked.
Dumbledore blinked slowly at the king "in which way, my words may please you, your Grace?"
Phobos leaned in his chair, thinking about what he should tell the previous counsellor of two kings.
He had watched many men die. In the heat of battle, spear through the gut, an arrow piercing the chest, a spell and a curse, or sword slicing through the neck, there was always a hint of honour hidden amongst the fetid stank and chaotic gore. In bed, life simply passed into an endless sleep - there was a sense of serenity to it.
But nothing could compare to death by hellhounds. Phobos had never seen something symbolizing both dark and terror.
"I do know that head commander visited you days ago…" he mentioned, his voice cold filled with ice, matching his eyes.
"Indeed, the commander was a student here in Hogwarts before he became a knight and I dare say, sometimes the humans feel nostalgic…"
"Do you know that he was shot in his mission, and almost died by some minions of your previous student ?"
Dumbledore did not know by the gasp of surprise he let out.
"That's not why I'm here…" Phobos stated flatly, walking around the office, glancing at the formidable tools before he finally turned to face the old warlock, "I need you to do something for me."
'Promise me Phobos,' Eros told him.
Dumbledore blinked and invited for a walk, Phobos did not refuse the invitation, after all.
This was the first conversation he has with the old warlock and the previous advisor of his father and Rhaenys's grandfather before him.
As they walked, Phobos kept his eye on every move and word the old man would say, but was surprised of hearing him humming.
It did not make him comfortable.
He saw boys running past him and he smiled at their peaceful expressions.
"Beautiful isn't it? The shadow of the state has always been above us, we will always see these peaceful faces," Dumbledore hummed, massaging his long white beard. Isn't that our goal, Your Majesty?"
Phobos's eyes hooded and kept his focus on the path forward. "They said that you asked King Dorian a question once, and with that question, the new system was built because it,"
Dumbledore closed his eyes and nodded, "Indeed and I assume you are here to answer that question," the old warlock gave the young king a warm smile.
Phobos nodded, not hesitate but prepared. Phobos was thinking a lot about this question, what was it, and for what?
"The system of the world is linked to six things?" Dumbledore asked him, snapping him out of his zone.
Phobos looked down thinking for a few moments before he decided to answer, "Magic. the ruler. The justice. The Security. The well-being and the future. " Phobos mentioned the six.
Dumbledore sat on the edge of a stone fountain in the middle of the courtyard and patted the place next to him, Phobos joined in.
There was a pause. And Phobos couldn't help but want to enter the man's mind. But patience is the key to relief, and he was never the type to make quick decisions.
"Where is the place of the ruler's strength among these six?" Dumbledore mentioned.
Phobos waited for the warlock to talk.
"The throne of the ruler, my son, is built on justice, safety, well-being and the future. If these things that set your feet on the ground." Dumbledore expressed. "The magic is the right in what his family has been known to follow that curriculum since its inception."
Phobos smiled and nodded.
"The stronger the latter is, the stronger your power will be. " Dumbledore pointed out, "And if you neglect this and see the strength in yourself..." The white brows raised and Phobos could expect the rest of the sentence.
"Then you will have drained your strength." Phobos finished.
The old man nod in agreement.
Phobos couldn't hold his laughter any longer. This entire talk cheered him and made him
"I think you realize that, headmaster when our kings ascend to the throne, the first pledge to rule by what the God has revealed. And not the world. Let us not go out on the straight path." Phobos smiled.
"In your opinion, what is the ruling, many differed in its explanation?" Phobos decided to drop one last question.
"Ruling is like the sun, illuminating the world with justice, and like fire, it burns the torch of sedition, traitors and slanderers.
And it is like water that softens the good and has mercy on the innocent. dripping as a drop of mercy on them." Albus simply answered.
With that, he assured Phobos that he was not wrong for seeking him out, and did not waste his time, but was the right person to do the job.
Phobos turned his blue eyes to the children around, "These are the sons of our martyrs, who were killed during the witch hunt. Therefore, we raise them in the monastery of knowledge. "
" And that's why you made these systems to protect these lives," Dumbledore remarked at his words.
"And their will is what will make us move forward." Phobos smiled.
Hermione followed and by the scheduled time, she faced the fire.
The lioness of Gryffindor's breathing became hard and her heart fastened a million times normal.
When her face finally showed up, she felt her face brightening. A breath release and relief settle upon her heart.
"Hey, kitten" The handsome Black saluted.
She let out a small chuckle. "So happy to see me, I' m flattered!" Sirius gasped, making her laugh.
"I never thought I would be that happy to see you!" She smiled. Rolling her eyes at him.
Sirius beamed at her before asking how she was faring.
"Have you seen him, I'm worried?" She replied instead.
"He is alright, don't worry about him,"
Hermione could not hold any longer, she was not that brave, not when she knew that her best friend and brother ran to take responsibility over everything on his own.
"I did not expect him to leave us that quickly," she whispered, her eyes filling with unshed tears.
"Woah! Why are you acting like that, I know you are braver than this, it's not like he's dead... so stop acting like that," he advised her.
Hermione looked into his eyes, if Sirius Black who would die for Harry, was behaving like this, she realized how selfish her act was. She should be smarter than this. Harry trusted her, he told her to have faith in him.
"You are right, I was acting stupid, I'm just worried how he will manage by himself in Egypt…" she sighed, massaging her neck
"Why would he be in Egypt?" Sirius frowned.
Hermione's eyes widened and turned to him, Didn't Harry tell him?
"It was sta up question, nevermind…"
"You? Ask a stupid question, I don't buy it,"
"I…Is that a compliment or insult?"
"Hermione…" When Sirius said her name, it sent chills in her spine, it was a rare thing for him to call her by name, her heart's beats quickened in a blue," Listen I know I may be reckless but… I got a golden chance to be free, I won't ruin it,"
"Of course you won't," she beamed.
They talked for what seemed to be everything, Hermione felt the happiness washing over Sirius, he finally excused himself, bidding her goodnight. As she was left alone in the darkness of the common room after the fire died, she felt hungry and left to the kitchens feeling suddenly hunger eating her.
While Hermione made her way through the corridor, she heard some noise in the direction of the dungeons. The castle felt abandoned during the night, as the portrait went to their sleep, even after all these years, they still creep her out. And wondered who else could be roaming at this time of night? She thought Slytherins were into something again,s nice their Professor hasn't returned yet and she would stop any action before it happens.
One of the benefits of being prefect, the power that comes with it.
She proceeded silently suddenly. When she caught the movement, her eyes widened. She beheld the scene, And gasped in surprise.
In front of her, the dark figure of her Potions professor was resting his side on the cold stone wall for support, with his head resting on his outstretched right arm while the other arm bent toward his face. Thick streaks of hair obscured his features, while the sound of his breathing was filling the silence of the corridor.
Strange. What was he doing here at such an hour? And when did he return?
Hermione bit her bottom lip in fear, approaching from the back. He wasn't aware yet of her presence.
A cold knot of awareness formed in her stomach when her eyes fell on the heavy black robe.
He had been with You-Know-Who. He had been one of them. Shivers ran down her spine.
He hadn't moved an inch.
Another chilly feeling grew in the pit of her stomach, foreboding. Something felt odd about this whole scene.
"Pro–" her words were caught in her throat when he suddenly slipped from the wall, losing his balance.
She rushed to him in the heat of the moment and Oh, my. How could she have missed it, at first sight, missed the slight tremors that ran through Professor Snape's body? His hands were cramped into fists. He was apparently in pain. 'They have Crucio-ed him.…'
Although Hermione hadn't witnessed the after-effects of a Cruciatus Curse before, she knew the symptoms.
muscle and.
She frowned. Was this the normal state he returned in? Why was he not with Madam Pomfrey? He must have known what he would have to suffer from after being cursed. He needed medical assistance. He had chosen to come here. Why?
"Le. Leave." A hoarse, needy murmur stopped her line of thought. The man in front of her was wincing.
She needed to do something. Warmth. He needed warmth. Without hesitation she reached for the heavy black Death Eater robe, lying next to him. Carefully, she covered his body with the robe as effectively as possible without awakening him. But was met with cold liquid, she used Lumos minimum and then her entire body froze.
Blood.
She was confident that Professor Snape would never allow himself to be observed in such a moment of weakness, at least not by the Gryffindor know-it-all. However, the man lying in front of her, trembling and unguarded, looked so unlike the Potions professor she knew, almost vulnerable.
"Leave!" He said more strongly this time.
She gulped and gathered all her bravery, "No!"
"I will call Madame Pomfrey." She turned, only for him to grasp her, harshly by arm, "Do..n't you. dare." He hissed.
Hermione felt the panic rising in her throat as she saw how the frown between his eyes deepened, even in his weakened state. She took a deep breath and steeled herself for his wrath about her intrusion of his privacy.
His first link back to reality was the touch of a large, careful hand on his shoulder. Yet, he did not move or open his eyes. He didn't need to look to know it was the hand of Albus Dumbledore.
"Severus? Do you hear me?"
"Headmaster!" Hermione Granger was relieved to see him.
Hermione gulped when the old headmaster's eyes lingered at her
"I-I heard noise and I found him in this state, professor,"
"I shouldn't have gone," Snape's voice said.
Dumbledore sighed in weariness as he withdrew his hand, helping the potion master.
"T, thank you, my dear, now why don't you go back to the tower," it was an order and not a suggestion, Hermione knew that.
"Will he be alright?"
"He is a Hogwarts teacher, but no need to worry about him now,"
Snape managed a rueful, cheerless laugh before he met the piercing blue eyes of the Headmaster.
"Inferno," Snape hissed, while his right hand rested against the wall for support.
Dumbledore observe fully over the half-moon glasses, his eyes devoid of their perpetual twinkling.
Hermione had enough and rushed to his side, wrapped a hand under him, helping him Stand up.
The Headmaster sighed once again, as he realized he wouldn't receive a proper response from his Potions master.
"Help me accompany him to his room, Miss Granger,"
"Miss Granger?" Snape arched a questioning eyebrow. A frown crossed the Potions master's sweaty face. He turned around to meet the twinkling eyes of Albus Dumbledore than to the girl who was supporting him.
He finally realized how she was…
Hermione wanted to roll her eyes at that, but not now.
When Sirius and Remus decided to head back to England, after all, Sirius's first hearing was in a few days, Remus had to be there.
"Are you sure you want to stay?" Sirius frowned.
Sure, Potiphar's team decided to cover for them. Which was nice of them, but Harry comprehended why his Godfather was unrelieved for him being surrounded by those people.
Harry looked away then nodded "Aye,"
Sirius looked him in the eye before stepping forward and the two embraced in a back-slapping hug, into a manly hug, he understood the boy's choice. He does not want to leave his girl on her own, and injured nevertheless "take care pup,"
The surviving marauders left with Larken, leaving Harry and the rest of the knights alone.
"We are the one who has been left behind," Charlotte sighed.
Harry moved toward Potiphar and offered him the box. Potiphar shook his head, pushing back the box. "You found it. You shall hand it back,"
Harry felt a giant stone settle into his
Kou approached them from behind, walking Daphne in a wheelchair. She gave him a slow nod, he licked his lips and nodded to her adjusting to the words, before straightening his composure.
The strawberry hair lieutenant smiled and opened a magical port to take them to the high castle.
Potiphar came between them, " Could you all wait for a moment,"
They all shared a confused stare.
Potiphar stepped before Harry and pointed his wand at Harry's face. Harry blinked, stepping back and Kou was about to react but the emotionless Daphne held him back.
"Wearing this mask in front of the King is an insult, we can't allow it to happen." He said, his eyes drifting to Daphne and she gave him a small smile and slow blink. Instead of a nod.
He nodded in return, " And we will raise so many questions if Harry Potter was there, So we'll change a little bit of your features, I hope you wouldn't mind?"
Harry was surprised by the sudden request but accepted, "Not at all,"
Potiphar cast a few spells and signed to the others to depart.
Harry saw golden lines drawn in the air, in the shape of a giant door, with light spread out of it.
He heard voices of running waters and singing birds coming from there.
For a split, second he imagined the magical gate taking him to paradise. Until he heard Kou moving the wheelchair, tripping over some Stone, "Slowly," Daphne groaned.
"I'm not your fuckin maid!" He snapped,
Harry still feels the anger in Kou, because the fox almost got killed by her actions.
His eyes darted down to his wife, she was silent all time, she returned to the ice Queen version of hers. He understood how hard it was for her to go back.
Because he felt the same when he returned each time to the Dursleys. The sentiment of being imprisoned, trapped. Suffocating.
He made sure the eyes were not on him, and stole one touch over her shoulder, giving her a quick squeeze to insure her. Reminding her; that she was not all alone, he was by her side.
She did not react to his touch and kept her face forward, trying not to smile. His yes met, at first sight, a very bright light, before they contacted the image further in front of him.
"Welcome to the palace," Kou whispered to him.
The walls of the castle were as high as mountains, his ears picked the birds singing and the sky was brighter in the eye, with a brightness that England never had. Even during the heat of last summer. Harry looked around, the courtyard they had crossed through the gate to, its floor of fine marble and Roman columns, surrounded by roses and plants.
It was a golden mansion, along the lane they were walking into a garden nor in the imagination, Harry could see little fairies like bees playing there.
They reached the entrance to the palace, and the gate was wide open, painted or made of pure gold. Giant, gigantic size.
They rushed past and Harry saw the servants and maids, the women were wearing a Romanian dress, it's silk could be almost visible for the eye to see there breasts through the think silk,while men wore normal uniform; bowing to the captain and the princess, but when their eyes met Daphne, their colour faded and they were terrified.
Kou smirked and whispered to him " She has a bad reputation with treating the servants…"
Harry's brows knitted, that cannot be true, he saw her treatment to the elves.
For a moment Harry thought that he was travelling through times, to Ancient Greece and Rome.
The beauty of the huge golden castle made him speechless. Just like he has been told before, This castle does not connect with the ground and cannot be detected by Muggles due to the wards.
Harry's eyes lowered and continued to walk behind Potiphar.
Steps led up to the throne room.
Room wasn't the right word. The place made Hogwarts great hall look like a broom closet. Massive columns rose to a domed ceiling, which was gilded with moving constellations. And right there, was built the throne, it was arranged in a inverted U, The throne at the end it was empty for a moment that what Harry believed but as he blinked his eyes.
He didn't have to be told who the man was sitting there, waiting for him to approach. His brother-in-law and the woman by his right came toward them, his legs trembled. Harry finally had the chance to see them, his in-laws. How funny to know that your brother in law is a king. It made him imagine himself in the presence of the royal family of Britain.
His gaze was kept on the king… his features was young, he was after all in the same age as him, his hair was dirty blonde not like his sister who's lighter, his eyes just like hers, the blood of mother Vasilia;Harry named it, after knowing how the family even produce. but was he…
Wearing khaki shorts with sandals? He turned to Kou who did not move or react, was it normal for a king to… look like this? He looked like some rich spoiled kid in a cricket club.
In his world he did not feel the young king facing him.
In his frustration, Harry bowed his head just like the others did, he noticed that they didn't kneel, just bowing their heads as a greeting. hailing his name in grace.
The boy who lived remembered why the king even approached him in the first place, and raised the box offering it to him.
Before he gave it Daphne meddled,"Wait!"
They both turned to her, wondering.
"I need insurance, you won't imprison us after you take the sacred trusts, half-brother," Daphne glared at him.
"How dare you!" Aurelia snapped. "The king has already shown you mercy for not punishing you for your little escape! Your greed has no limits at all!"
Daphne took a deep breath, "A brother and his sister are talking, Why are you interfering?" Daphne raised a brow barely reacting.
Kou kicked the wheelchair.
"Mother! Don't you see that she's already punished," Potiphar eyed Daphne up and down, giving her a silent warning, to shut up.
"Your words wounded me half-sister, I'm a man of my word," Phobos smiled as he took the box. Kissing it as if he was worshipping it.
"Of course you are, " the blonde witch rolled her eyes at him.
He gave it to one of his guards then turned his attention to Harry, grasping it from his both shoulders, Harry jerked for a split second then returned his attention to the young king.
"You have showed us bravery, Who are you?" he said smoothly to him, offering him smile of peace.
Harry felt as if, electricity hit him, the moment Phobos's hands contacted his shoulders. He remained calm, perhaps the king was trying to read his thoughts, memories.
He remained calm and silent,Potiphar spoke instead of him. "Your grace, the brave one had bad injuries during the battle, he's still under the shock and embarrassment,"
Phobos regarded his brother-in-law for a second before shifting his gaze to Daphne then Harry.
"What a shame...your warrior showed us chivalry in its meaning, half-sister of mine," He smiled, moving closer to Harry and whispered "Don't worry… I won't look over the damage you caused to the temple, it could be repaired,"
Harry stiffened, his entire body shivered not from the young king, but from the murderous stare he kept receiving from Daphne, When she first heard about destroying the temple, she almost fainted, calling her family history in line, praying for forgiveness from her ancestors.
Phobos chuckled, clapping over Harry's shoulders. "Never mind, But we need at last to reward him, Don't we mother?"
"That's generous of you, half-brother… But we're tired and as you see we had a horrible adventure, I would like to retire if you allow me," she smiled back.
Phobos finally released Harry and the latter returned to stand by Kou's side, he could feel the sharp glares he was receiving from the queen mother.
"Indeed, another Shame has been added to our history. I heard the traitor brother of yours, Potiphar, almost got killed by this shameful step-daughter..." Aurelia approached, smirking.
"Argai's power should be admired especially by you step-mother, his pure magic was marvelous that I stood there speechless, I would never be matched to him, he won the battle and I'm in a wheelchair…" She Laughed bitterly.
Harry Saw Kou, kicking the wheelchair to shut her down.
Aurelia took that response as an assault to her and her son, and her face reddened, ready to reply. "Making a deal with a hell prince,that was his gravest mistake, UNACCEPTABLE!"
Harry's eyes noticed the tightening on Potiphar's jaw and how his hands clenched tightly.
"We all make mistakes Aurelia, should I recall the history," Daphne called her by name "Careful walking with those heels, you may accidentally fell off stairs and break your lovely neck,"
Aurelia gasped, her face reddened like a giant tomato on a pike and Phobos's face darkened for a second but put himself in control and stopped between them to stop any cat fight, the ladies were about to start.
"Rhaenys, despite your condition, your mouth is more energetic than ever…Don't forget that you're talking to the queen mother," he laughed. But there was a threatening tone behind it, "I will take you personally to your chambers, you disobeyed my orders and left them, don't think that there will be no punishment," he chuckled as he took Kou's place behind her and grabbed the handles, wheeling her away.
"Call me Daphne, your Grace…and I would gladly accept my punishment for breaking the rules." she sighed.
"Ah,you changed your name, laurel tree of all names, for real…" Phobos scuffed. And he drove Daphne at a flash speed. Leaving Harry almost gaping. He was almost like Flash the superhero from the comics.
It made the people they passed, thinking it was wind. It was like a rollercoaster, scary, but very fun.
Daphne felt the speed slowing down, and realized they were nearing her chambers. Rolling her eyes at the childish act of Phobos.
Harry was left gaping at the super speed of the king, until Kou told him to follow his lead and walk and the others retreated to finish their tasks and fill reports of their mission.
Was it okay to let the siblings on their own? Finally catching up with Kou, they walked in silence for some time before Kou finally decided to break it. "You are curious about what just happened, I can tell,"
Harry curiosity did not help him hide his Intentions, "I expected more drama, honestly,"
Kou blinked at him before bursting into a loud laughter, Harry wondered why.
The fox whipped his tear "oh come on! We expected some actions in this reunion, now I'm just annoyed that I wasn't here to see how she bursted into the castle first,"
Harry stood silent for a moment repeating the entire dialogue in his mind, she offended the queen that was certain.
"This will be a very long week," Kou murmured and went in front of a door, glancing over his shoulder,his eyes sharp and serious.
As he opened the door, Harry saw Berz resting on a bed, glaring at them.
Harry's heart sank, remembering what this mission had cost to success.
There was a stable silence between the half-siblings while the king. As they entered her personal bedroom.
"So...did you kill him?" Phobos asked as he played, on her wheelchair while walking her, like some trotinette.
Daphne looked down at her lap for some time before she finally spoke her mind. "He escaped…" she sighed. "Are you alright?". After all, her half brother figured out that the man he trusted as a head of his personal royal guards and entrusted him with his family's life was the enemy.
When the siblings discussed their plan, they did not trust anyone, Daphne went and accused Aurelia if it wasn't the threat she received from Phobos.
They decided to put an act in front of the family, after she told him that the Deatheaters knew about the secrets of the family.
It was obvious that if Phobos prisoned his sister, someone would try to help her flee.
He pretended his attempt to execute to knew the criminal and now he did.
"What a stupid of question was, you sound pathetic, you know me sis," he smiled,darkly.
"Thank you for reminding me,"
"Tell me what you saw?"
"Entire horde of demons, under control of a general hell prince,"
"They broke the truce," Phobos massaged the space between his eyes. "I want you to testify in Argai's trial–" Before Daphne could even protest he continued, "I know I know,that was not part of our deal, but you will be needed there," his words held command, Daphne was certain of that.
"As you wish, your Grace,"
"Excellent! I will ask Edd to make your favourite food for the supper,"
Daphne only rolled her eyes at her half-brother's attempt to bribe her with Edd, her favourite chef of all time.
The twin were in a circle, trying to read some crystal ball with giggles, each of them predicting a funny or a horrible thing. when Aurelia came on. She walked in furious without an announcement. She was not happy, ignoring even the courtesy from the Ladies. She received terrible news.
"Leave us," Aurelia ordered the maids.
They nodded and left the room leaving the twins with their mother. Once the door was shut, Aurelia rushed across the room and hugged the twins in an iron grip. They were both shocked by her behavior; it was like a mother losing a child. She recovered her posture and pulled back, keeping her hands on their shoulders.
"Is something wrong?" Faye asked.
"No, my precious girl," Cersei answered. "Your half-sister has arrived."
"Vanya came!" Seren exclaimed.
"We have missed her!" The two exclaimed in one tone.
Aurelia took a deep breath, "the other one, Rhaenys."
Their eyes widen when hearing this. The twin exchanged glances with each other, sometimes Aurelia herself could not understand the bond her daughters have. Besides they never saw their eldest half sister, she escaped from the castle once Aurelia was pregnant again.
"When are we going to meet with her?"
A thought came to mind. Aurelia took their hand, "Listen my roses, Rhaenys is a little bit different than Vanya, and she is sick, unfortunately you cannot meet with her,"
The twins nodded and stood leaving the suite of their mother.
Aurelia, on the other hand, held back herself, stood and turned to her maid and hand.
"Rhaenys appears in the middle to mess up my plans, and Sam is gone." The Queen shifted her gaze at the crystal.
"The venom of the snake who is my stepdaughter has paralyzed everyone from now on, even the servants whispering about her, including her heroic deed." she slammed her fist with the table.
"Since that's the case, shouldn't we smash the head of the snake, my queen?" The maid suggested.
Aurelia shook her head, "If we try to run over it before its time, we make a mistake." She answered.
Her eyes kept gazing at the crystal. For some time then she turned to her maid, pointing her finger at her. "Corvina's eyes are on us,
While Rhaenys is under my son's protection, it's impossible to get rid of her."
The maid frowned at the mention of the king.
"Also, not only for my safety, but for the safety of our king, my daughters and our empire.
We'll walk on the snow, and we won't show our trail." She advised.
"If you want to pull the lions, we have to pull the ropes of their young." She gave her maid an example. Before she stepped further in front of the maid.
"Get close to her guard and gain his trust. And when the time comes, we finish her," she ordered her maid.
"Of course, your grace." The maid replied.
"So, Harry," Sirius Black began, sitting comfortably on the now completely sofa, "I hear that you have something you wanted to ask me..."
"Yeah, I just wanted to check how your trial is?" Harry replied abruptly. Harry physically felt tired, but he needed to speak with his Godfather. Daphne was bathing so he was free to talk to Sirius.
"Aw, not bad and not good, I need real witness,They gave me a conditional release, meaning there is an auger with me wherever I go," Sirius grinned widely,
"That's bad? Well better than back to Azkaban," Harry said.
"It's not like I'm getting free that easily," Sirius snorted with laughter, and leaned forward on the sofa, facing the flames.
"Just follow the lawyer's advice,where are you staying now?" Harry found himself laughing with his Godfather.
The first hearing happened the night before. However, according to Sirius, he didn't have a trial. Just an accusation and he had told him to walk into the fire rather rudely.
Harry did not need to read the daily prophet to know what had happened.
But he does realize how pressured his Godfather was, facing the media again and the world.
"The old flat of mine," Sirius groaned.
Lawyer Knightwalker proved already that Sirius was in some bar before the incident happened to the thirteen Muggles that was killed but to assure his claims he needed real witnesses, Remus Lupin spoke as his friend but they need to find the bartender that owned the bar, Knightwalker was searching for him and made sure that he gave his statement even though he was a Muggle.
Sirius to avoid the lights of cameras had a hat and long scarf to hide his face with sunglasses,no one saw his face but the judge.
But seriously,how was this man's mentality as he faced his past? That was the question in Harry's mind.
"We will catch Pettigrew if it takes us forever," Harry continued, attempting to be indifferent. His hands were clenching his lap.
"What happened?" Sirius Asked, his stormy grey eyes, the same ones that had charmed many a woman in his day, looking up to the ceiling pointedly. Harry's emerald green eyes, the exact size and shape of his mother's, followed involuntarily.
"I don't know what you mean," Harry shrugged, looking down to the floor, deciding this was the best way to keep himself safe,he needed to make himself believe that.
Sirius merely laughed, but not in a mocking way. "You can't hide it, Phobos?" Sirius continued, placing careful emphasis on the name of the King, who hosted Harry within his castle.
"Oh, it... he's…friendly" Harry said, trying to rectify the situation even though he knew his Godfather could detect any lie beneath his words.
Sirius raised a brow unconvinced.
It has now been a week in the high castle and Harry had all liberty to walk around,no one asked him who he was, but everyone regarded him as the personal guard of Daphne.
He was a mysterious warrior in their mind.
For Harry he spent most of his days with the Head commander, not even with Daphne, she was recovering to his relief faster than she assumed.
The stitches on her injuries worked faster and it was an excellent treatment in Harry's eyes.
Yan Lin mixed the Chinese treatment with magic. She may have a sharp tongue but she became serious during her work.
Head commander Berz woke up on the same day they arrived and Harry went straight to give him condolences for his lieutenant's death.
Berz did not show any sympathy to his lieutenant,just admiration that she died during a mission. Daphne did not visit him not even once. Of course the man was very mad at her and him as well.
"We told you not to let her leave the school,we specifically said that!" Berz hissed at him.
"I don't control my wife and I will never do...she saw this as the perfect solution to us all," Harry hissed back.
"Friendly?" Sirius raised a brow.
"What do you expect me to say,I'm his brother in law!"
"Does he know that ?"
"No! but he acts like he knows me well,which is weird,And scary,"
Phobos barely looked dangerous, he smiled at Harry all the time and asked him of his well-being, he even Invited him to walk a few times in the halls and the gardens while he discussed world matters with Potiphar.
He gathered that the young king loves music and long walks to keep himself positive all the time laughing and chatting.
They call him the joyful king.
In the short time of his stay he gathered enough,how the royals stayed controlling the world behind the scenes, two things to be remembered.
They only interfere when problems become international and get noticed by muggles. They leave each country to it's minister unless it requires the help of the Knights.
As for the Knights, he visited only once by the invitation of Kou the barracks. Dozens of men, each in a division require it's special powers, most healers under the command of Yan Lin, the head commander have only ten men under him alone the captains, the captains were twelve members, and each member from his point of view have power of an Olympian God.
There were twelve weapons, and each weapon for one captain, no wonder why Berz had Zues thunder.
He thought about the Greek mythology as real God's but it turned out that they were the actual founding captains of the Knights. How poetic.
Kou told him, when the two brothers fought two years ago, the captains did not interfere because their job was to protect a king and a Kingdom, when there was no king they remained neutral, waiting for the winner of the throne to be crowned.
But the funny thing is, he saw a picture of Daphne with the entire captains as a child, she said they were close, especially with her dead brother, why they did not help him.
Kou answered that question for him: " Feelings and duty should always remain separate, where are the rest of the leaders? Allow me to answer, some loved the prince and saw him die, they left, Phobos could have untitled them, took their magic, he let them free, some stayed, bounding to their duties, and some showed treachery and they would die for it."
Potiphar was one of the remaining to the duty, he was even more serious than Berz, perhaps because his brother was the traitor he felt ashamed and guilty for, he heard that he was imprisoned in the dungeons of the castle.
He saw the others visiting the head commander for paper work and counseling.
"And Daphne?" Sirius's question hit the most delicate subject to Harry. Harry almost forgot that he was still talking to his Godfather.
"She's hiding in her room,she hasn't left not even once , pretending that she doesn't want to breathe the same air as them,But…" Harry's eyes averted.
Sirius catched the sadness in his eyes and tried to encourage him to continue.
"Clearly she is scared but acts tough…" Harry pointed out.
"What did you expect, she owned a palace and the next day,she found herself in the streets, living with a strange man and having to call him dad, eating what is not hers and acting like someone else, her identity and life was stolen from her." Sirius said.
But Harry heard differently, Sirius was not talking about just his godson's wife but also about himself as well.
"You care deeply for her,I'm jealous," Harry scuffed.
"You're jealous of your own wife? seriously?"
"See you later, the trial against Argai is starting now, don't forget to say hi to Remus for me,I don't think he's doing well after that night," Harry pulled himself up.
Sirius understood what night Harry referred to, the burning city and flying horde of demons was chasing him in his dreams as well,"later,pup!"
Harry walked down the throne room where the trial for Argai Vasilian was about to happen.
They delayed until Daphne could give her testimony.
The family was complicated, they talked sweetly to each other but their words held venom, hate each other but they worked together, everyone feared them but none of them seem to care what people thought of them.
Harry gathered that the queen lived the moment since promoting her the queen mother, loving to control people and command them whatever she desires, he met the young twin sisters of Daphne who in his view were cute and angelic.
The aunt's words were law, she and Daphne bickered twice as she visited her in her chamber. Corvina scolded her endlessly and the latter fought back sharply.
"What's with your hair! Your clothes! Do you even learn! What did it even improve in you, shame to call you niece!" Corvina shouted, scolding.
"I had improved in something," Daphne told her "my height…"
It caused the aunt to freeze in her place and Harry couldn't hold his laugh.
Finding himself sitting in the back of the throne room. Berz commanded him not to participate in anything and just keep watching.
Harry saw in the great room, many faces, some recognised them from the magazines. Some were famous Aurors or Authors, hunters.
He picked from here and there that some were high ranked members in knighthood. 'State's men.' Harry called them.
Daphne and Kou were demanded to testify, thankfully Phobos did not push on Harry's identity.
"I will not ask you of yourself, but as a brave one,your identity must stay hidden,not all our heroes wear cloaks, some prefer to stay in the shadows," Phobos told him, the first time he demanded his presence.
Harry felt that his words were an advice in a way; that the king knew who he was and let him cover himself for his own safety.
The young wizard was confused over the king's personality. That made him prefer to stay close to him, to know him.
If he was dangerous,Daphne certainly would make him stay out of his way. Another confirmation to his thoughts.
His eyes locked onto Daphne Potter who kept whispering something to Kou. Today in his opinion was not going to be an easy day for the family. He then looked over to the crowd,
Once everybody was ready and all the visitors and ambassadors were in the chamber, the doors were immediately closed. As the doors closed, the chamber immediately fell silent. Daphne, who was sitting on the wheelchair, despite her injuries in the front lines, kept her head high.
Harry did not see the king, what would he do instead of joining the trial.
Kou explained how royal trials works to him,
'If the convict is a member of the royal family, it is forbidden for any of them to be the judge, in order to preserve justice,' Harry quoted in his mind, because of that, the king did not attend nor the council.
He heard a guard declaring the start of the trial. Harry's heart almost stopped as he saw the judge.
Dumbledore! Harry screamed mentally in his mind. The emerald eye boy decided to hide far behind.
Harry was not the only surprised man, he could feel Daphne's own reaction. Daphne's face remained a calm mask but he felt the worry and irritation,and. What a way for the headmaster to discover her real identity.
On the other side Daphne whispered to her fox, "what is he doing here?"
"Clearly,he was chosen to be in charge, I feel sorry now for Argai," Kou whispered back.
"Did all judges in the world disappeared for Phobos to choose this man!' she hissed under her breath.
"Hush now, if we go back in time for a month earlier,you had be the one in Argai's place,"
A throat was then cleared, "Prosecuting attorney will be Vincent Macbeth," Dumbledore undersecretary announced, in a humourless tone. "The defendant will be represented by…"
Harry believed for a split second that Dumbledore eyed Daphne dangerously before continuing on his talk.
Harry heard the murmurs break out throughout the chamber. some scribbling furious, not wanting to miss anything important. Everyone was expecting some newbie Judge, especially the family. People immediately began to fret as it was unnerving to hear the person who had been prosecuting.
As the trial continued, Harry saw no emotion or lack of suspension in The headmaster's behaviour or words, he asked directly and the witnesses answered back.
Daphne answered circling her truth, anything about him or his friends was only mentioned as her men. She hasn't said anything about Deatheaters nor the others. And Harry doubted that someone as smart as Dumbledore won't know what happened in Iraq, especially that the latter's important Spy was the reason for this whole mess.
Waiting in the Shadows of the hall, The final j
Harry stayed at the back of the hall listening to the case, otherwise seriously and more attentively to every word that came out of the judge's mouth, .iting .r the outcome of this trial..
No much reviews, my heart Hurst so much for not receiving any.
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ThIs Chap Was...
I Wonder how Voldemort reacted to his fail.
How Albus and Harry's reunion will be?
The Castle is a battlefield now..
CIao