I do not own anything from the harry potter universe, unfortunately.
"Normal Talking"
'Thoughts'
"Parseltongue"
P_A_T_R_E_O_N /Akida_Pendragon
Jones was not a paranoid person, even after the childhood she experienced. However, she was becoming very sympathetic to people who were paranoid. The only difference between herself and them was the fact that she had a very real reason to be worried.
It had become clear to her in the past two days that Riddle had targeted her with his pet Demon. More and more often she would feel something trying to probe her mind, she had to keep her Occlumency shields up for longer and longer. But it was exhausting and she only found reprieve when she entered Veilstone. Daphne had been working around the clock to unravel the secrets to the ancient wards and how they could possibly recreate them for Hogwarts. However, it was slow going.
So until she or someone else figured out how to recreate the ancient wards Veilstone was the safest place to be. Not that she told Harry about any of this. If he knew that the Demon was targeting her he wouldn't let her out of his sight. Especially with what happened to Susan, and he needed to focus right now. So taking a breath she walked through the green flames of the Floo and entered Veilstone.
She dropped her Occlumency shield and her body sagged in relief from not having to keep her defences up nearly twenty-four-seven. Rubbing her temples she walked through the entrance hall to the hallways. Looking through the window Jones saw Harry's friends training with Moody. But Harry was nowhere to be found nor were his girlfriends, which was odd.
She knew Harry was still struggling with his version of Fiendfyre. He couldn't explain it very well as whenever he tried his voice became garbled. But with Moody here surely he could've gotten some advice. So where was he? Deciding to take a look around she ventured upstairs, taking a look in the potions lab but it was empty.
She went to investigate the Library next but heard muffled voices coming from the main bedroom across the hall. Walking towards it she listened for a moment to make sure they weren't having a happy fun time before she knocked. There was a shuffle before the door opened and Harry looked out.
"Jones, what's up?" He asked and Jones smiled at him.
"The sky, what are you doing in here? I thought you'd be downstairs asking Moody for help with your training." Jones asked and Harry rolled his eyes at her joke. He then stepped aside and let her in where she saw Susan, Daphne, and Hermione along with two Goblins and Saurfang.
Currently, Susan was on a wooden table that was at goblin height and she was strapped down. Currently, the Goblins one male and one female were taking measurements and making marks on Susan's skin with brushes and they muttered to each other in Gobbledygook.
"What's going on in here?" Jones asked and Susan sighed.
"I feel like I'm some mad scientist next experiment," Susan said as she couldn't raise her head as even her head was strapped with leather binds.
"I apologize Lady Bones, but this is for your utmost safety. The process for my prosthetics implantation is quite thorough and regrettably painful. But worry not, as soon as the procedure is over it will be like you never lost your leg in the first place." The female goblin said as she made another dot mark on Susan's stump.
"How does all this work?" Jones asked and Saurfang answered allowing the other two Goblins to continue their work without interruption.
"There are two stages the port connection stage which is the most crucial, then there is the fitting stage which is rather mundane in comparison to the first stage. Right now Gringar and Lemminok are marking where certain incisions will have to be made as well as alignment marks to ensure that the port is placed on the leg correctly. Even a slight deviation during this process can be catastrophic."
"Bedside manner is not your forte Sir Saurfang," Susan said her finger tapping against the wooden table. Seeing her nerves Hermione took Susan's hand into her own.
"You'll be okay Susie, these Goblins have decades of experience."
"Indeed seventy-six years of it not to mention the centuries of perfection that my clan has mastered and passed down." The female Goblin, Lemminok said as she made her final mark. She examined the stump ensuring her work was flawless. She then snapped her fingers and then Gringar searched through a bag and produced a syringe.
"What's that?" Harry asked as he and Jones moved to be closer to Susan, Daphne grabbed his hand and pulled him close. She might not be the one on the table but it was scary all the same. Maybe even more so since this was completely outside the field of medicine she knew, as well as the fact that it was someone she loved.
"A numbing injection she won't feel a thing from the incisions we make," Lemminok said as she raised Susan's stump and fastened it into a brace that kept it up off the table but not very high. She held out her hands and Gringar handed her a very ornate scalpel and placed a bowl beneath the leg.
"You'll feel pressure but no pain," Lemminok said and began making her incisions. The cuts were clean but even so, Harry, Daphne, and Hermione both winced and moved around to be as close to Susan as possible to help keep her calm. The cuts bled slightly but soon they stopped which made Jones curious.
"Why does the bleeding stop?" She asked and Gringar answered while Lemminok focused on her work.
"Our Scalpels are enchanted, keep everything clean for the procedure," Gringar said as he took something out of the bag they had. It was something that looked like a round cap on one side but on the interior were several long spines and side fastens.
"This is the port we will put on it will be fastened to her leg and connect to her nerve endings. This will then be attached to the actual leg itself, once it is it will be like she never lost her leg in the first place." Gringar said setting it down.
"Yes, but unfortunately the connection step of the port is going to be extremely painful," Lemminok said as she finished her last incisions she then took a clean cloth and wiped any blood there was.
"Isn't there something we can do? Pain relieve potions or charms or what about putting her to sleep?" Daphne said gently rubbing Susan's head to keep her calm.
"No, this numbing solution is going to be removed once I activate the port. Any form of magic or potion that affects her nerves will cause complications with the connection process. Also having her asleep will make the connections more subconscious rather than with her conscious brain. In order for my port to work correctly the connection needs to be made with her conscious mind as well as her fully active nerves." Lemminok said as she picked up the port and flipped it over in her hand and cleaned the spines.
Gringar then took out some leather weaved band from the bag and took it over to Harry and handed it to him.
"For her to bite down on," He said as Harry nodded and took it. Looking down he gently caressed her cheek and she closed her eyes and then opened her mouth. He placed the leather biter in her mouth and she bit down and did her best to nod. Harry reached out to her other hand being careful to stay out of Lemminoks way as he nodded.
"We're ready," Harry said and he could feel Susan's grip tighten as Lemminok nodded and she placed the port against Susan the spines lining up with the incision she made. There was a stomach-churning squelch as she pushed it in until the port was snug against Susan's leg.
Susan's breathing became rapid as her eyes were squeezed tightly as she felt the odd pressure in her leg. Lemminok then slid her clawed finger across a series of runes that glowed slightly.
"Madam Susan, on three... one... two... three!" Lemminok said then slid her finger across again and a sudden ringing sound flared from the port as the runes and the geometric lines on it began to light up. Then Susan's eyes flew open and her grip suddenly became bone-crushing. Harry was able to take it but Hermione was not expecting it as she winced harshly but didn't let go.
A scream muffled by her biter was wrenched and the straps strained as the table shook from her efforts to somehow alleviate the pain she felt. Daphne caressed her face whispering in her ear trying to calm and soothe her as much as she could. The process was a few minutes no more than three but it felt like hours. Susan's breathing was rapid and hoarse as she calmed herself down as the initial burning pain she felt became a constant throb.
"Is everything alright now?" Jones asked her foot nervously tapping the ground. Lemminok took a moment to examine the port before she nodded.
"Yes, the connection is successful we should let it settle for a moment," Lemminok said as she and Gringar began to unlatch all the restraints on the table. Once she was free Harry gathered her in his arms and transferred to the bed to make her as comfortable as possible. Hermoine however gripped her wrist as she felt great pain in her hand.
"Hermione?" Daphne asked coming over to the girl as she took her hand and Hermione yelped.
"I think she might've broke it," Hermione said chuckling despite the situation. Daphne smiled a bit too as she took her wand and began to mend Hermione's hand. Harry just held Susan close to him as she did her best to bury herself into his chest. He could feel tremors run through her as she tried to calm down.
"It's okay now, it's over you're okay." He whispered and Susan refused to cry or sob even though it hurt. Merlin, it hurt worst than losing her leg, but that was due to her adrenaline. But there was no need to shed tears now, this was a pain for her to gain something incredible in return. She wouldn't shed tears here.
It was only a few minutes more and Hermione and Daphne joined them and Susan calmed down greatly against Harry as her breathing evened out and her tremors left her.
"You broke my hand!" Hermione said lightly poking Susan as Susan giggled.
"I'm sorry," Susan said reaching out but Hermione held up her hands.
"Oh no, you have to earn that privilege back." Hermoine joked as the group laughed.
"How do you feel?" Daphne asked as Susan adjusted herself so she was still leaning against Harry but stretched out her leg and her new port. She moved her stump around but it didn't feel weird it felt almost like there was nothing there at all.
"Much better," Susan said doing her best to flex her muscles but felt no discomfort.
"Well, now that everything has settled are you ready to receive your leg?" Lemminok asked as Gringar set a case down on the table. Undoing the latches he flipped it open and scooped out the leg which was like a piece of art. It was a sleek but clockwork feminine design. It was made with dark wood and clasped together with gold metal.
"This is my latest design, flexible, enchanted to be completely waterproof, fireproof, as well as incredibly durable. It is self-adjusting so it will shift to match you as you grow. You can remove it easily as it is paired with your port. Since the nerves have made a successful connection they will be removed and connected with your mental desire." Lemminok said bringing the leg over and lining it with the port.
"Now just think of having your leg, perhaps a mental command," Lemminok said as Susan closed her eyes and after a few moments there was a sound like a heavy magnet getting stuck on metal. Opening her eyes the group watched amazed as the several clicks and hisses were heard as the leg shifted becoming a perfect copy of the real leg.
"What do I do now?" Susan asked and Lemminok stepped back and the leg remained in position.
"It's your leg, treat it as if you had always had it. Do not think about it just like you don't think about breathing." Lemminok advised as Susan looked down at her leg and did her best. But besides a twitch here and there something felt off.
"Are you sure everything is right?" Harry asked and Lemminok took a spectacle out of the bag and looked at the port and the leg.
"Yes, Lord Potter, the port and the leg are functioning exactly as they are supposed to," Lemminok said as Susan tried to move the artificial foot up and down but it barely twitched. She raised her other leg and flexed her biological foot up and down and there was some improvement but still, it was robotic and wasn't moving like it should.
"Here let's try this Harry come here," Daphne said as she tugged Harry out from behind Susan and brought him across the room a few feet. Using her wand she gently moved the table so Susan had no objects in her way.
"Don't think about moving your leg, just think about walking to Harry," Daphne said as she stepped away.
"What?" Susan asked she could barely twitch her leg how was she supposed to walk? But regardless she moved over the edge her normal leg bending and flexing as it always did but her artificial leg remained rigid. She tried to stand but the leg was bent at the knee making it awkward. Harry looked at her leg as she tried to articulate herself, she was treating the leg like it was a peg leg or something.
What Susan needed right now was to stop focusing on her leg, she needed to treat it like how she treated every other part of her body. It was a part of her now and she needed to think of it that way. With that in mind, her drew his wand and held it out.
"Expecto Patronum." He cast and in a shine of silvery ghostly light, his Wolf Patronus came leaping out from his wand. He fed it every good emotion he felt and directed it to be next to Susan. The Wolf padded over to Susan and she could feel the calming emotions flowing from it. The warmth of happiness and love filled her form.
Daphne and Hermione quickly caught on cast their own Patronuses and an Owl and Snow Leopard joined his Wolf filling the room with even more gentle light and emotion. Susan closed her eyes just bathing in the feelings around her. Taking a breath she imagines Harry, just Harry. She let the thoughts of her leg flow out of her mind and all that she focused on was reaching Harry. Reaching Harry and embracing him pulling him close and basking in his warmth.
When she opened her eyes the light was still there but now she was focused on Harry. She stood up straight and to everyone's delight her legs straightened to support her posture just like they would if it was real. She took a step and it was a bit wobbly but she just took a breath and steadies herself and this time took a step with her Artifical leg. It was a bit robotic but it was a successful step.
Harry's face lit up with a smile as he reached his hand out. Susan returned his smile and took another step and when she used her Artificial leg again it was much more fluid and natural. The next two steps went smoothly as Susan eagerly embraced Harry as Daphne and Hermione joined her excitedly. Lemminok let the lovers have their happy moments before she cleared her throat to get their attention.
"Very good, all the finances have been handled. I would suggest that Lady Bones should do walking exercises every day and once that is no issue perhaps practices with faster paces." Lemminok said as she opened the bag she had and the table was sucked inside. Then she and Gringar bowed as Harry called an elf to escort them out.
"I am gladdened to see that everything is satisfactory," Saurfang said and Harry turned to the Goblin.
"More than satisfactory, it's brilliant. Please if there is anything I can do for you just name it." Harry said kneeling to be eye level with his Goblin Accountant and holding out his hand for Saurfang to shake. Saurfangs eyebrow raised in surprise but soon offered a toothless smirk and shook Harry's hand.
"Well, my grandson's Barrikol is approaching perhaps if you have no use for it I might claim the Bassilks meat from your kill? I can also have the hide fashioned into protective attire for you and your family if you'd like." Saurfang said and Harry nodded before standing.
"Of course, if the meat is to your satisfaction take it all. The rest of the Basilisk will be rendered and stored. Though I must ask what is a Barrikol?" Harry asked.
"A Barrikol is a right of passage for us Goblins when a young boy is considered a man. My Grandson has made an incredible sword for his Barrikol and so the Basilisk meat shall be fit for a celebration feast." Saurfang said sounding almost giddy, it was strange to hear from the usually professional Gobline but Harry was glad for it.
"Well, tell him Congratulations from me, May his blade see a thousand victories," Harry said bowing his head and Saurfang returned the gesture.
"And may your family see a thousand more. Farewell." Saurfang said walking out of the mansion. Harry turned and was happy to see Susan walking around, there were moments where she looked a bit wobbly but she was just so happy. Giggling as she walked between Daphne and Hermione who were equally as happy.
"What a beautiful sight, hate to spoil it but can I borrow you for a moment?" Jones asked and Harry nodded he walked over to Susan and kissed her soundly. He gave her words of affection and encouragement before walking out with Jones.
"Is everything alright?" Harry asked and Jones reached into her coat and pulled out a newspaper. It wasn't the Prophet but instead a muggle paper. Rolling it out he examined it and saw the head story.
LONDON BRIDGE BURNS
Harry's eyes widened and saw images of the iconic British landmark engulfed in fire with muggle firefighters battling the blaze in the photos. He read further and the attack was being chalked up to a terrorist act but no group has claimed credit yet. As of now, the fire has been put out but there has been significant damage to vehicles as well as the bridge itself suggesting that the fire was caused by some form of incendiary explosive devices.
"Riddle," Harry growled out there was no doubt that this was him.
"Yup, little power move. He's trying to show he is not being pressured and is still strong enough to do such a blatant display of wizarding destruction. Now it's got the public a bit spooked thinking that Riddle will expose our world. There has also been an increase in Deatheater activity." Jones explained now handing him a copy of the Prophet.
DEATH EATER RAID
Now the images were of Diagon Alley of its shops like Olivanders which had been nearly destroyed with broken walls and busted windows. Harry skimmed the paper and saw that Olivanders was not only raided with several old wands being stolen but most of the shops hit were either burned or destroyed even Fred and George's recently opened joke shop was attacked.
"Do we have any idea who it was?" Harry asked his heart feeling heavy at the thought of all the innocent people that must've been hurt not to mention the excitable wandmaker himself.
"No, we're guessing that it was a display of power like with the bridge against the Goblins and the Ministry since the alley connects both of us but we can't be sure. It is dangerous for my informant to be to close Riddle with his little demon friend so they are restricted at the moment. But I have a meeting set up in a few days to see if any new information has come up. For now, Amelia is publicly condemning the actions of Riddle and his followers. She's also made moves to encourage recruitment to the Auror corps, she's even talking with Galakahn about sending a detachment of goblin troops to guard Diagon Alley seeings as Gringotts bank is located there as well."
"So Riddle attacks London Bridge as a show of power and now there will no doubt be a lot of Muggleborns that will be even more afraid for their families." Harry sighed.
"Yes, Amelia's also looking into possibly opening up a safe zone so to speak for muggle families of Muggleborns to stay at but I don't think that's a good idea. Putting them all in one place even with protection will just make them an easier target to hit. I've suggested that all records for Muggleborn relations be kept secret so that no spies can snoop around and get into files they're not supposed to see."
"Have there been a lot of spies lately?" Harry asked and Jones shook her head.
"Not as many as there could've been but with Amelia's strict ban on the Dark Mark as well as the immediate imprisonment of all those who carry it which could result in execution there not that brave. Back during the first war with Riddle people like Dumbledore would always preach about being better than our enemies. So they'd go to prison and get a rigged trial cause they were usually rich lords or ladies of pureblood or just get busted out of jail by their companions." Jones explained.
"Yeah, no consequences meant that there was no risk. They went into battle knowing the worst that would happen is they would rot in a cell for about a week before some corrupt official or Pureblood purist let them out. But now they either die on the battlefield or get executed soon after they are brought in." Harry summarized and Jones nodded.
"Yup, as you imagine some people are making it out that Amelia is acting like a tyrant and throwing out due process. However, unlike last time all the crimes and interrogations are made public. So the ones trying to tarnish Amelia's way of pursuing this war are almost always spies or Riddle sympathizers. But she's careful, she knows that if she does start executing wizards and witches that don't bare the Dark Mark then there could be some credence thrown into the accusations. It's resulted in a few suspects being broken out of jail or going to proper court and managing to avoid serious punishment by the skin of their teeth."
"I get it Amelia has to keep law and order or else she might lose the public approval. She doesn't want to look like she's gone power-mad."
"Exactly, Riddle's getting wise to this so he's marking less and less of his followers. He's trying to make contacts with people outside the U.K. most likely to find better funding since all of his biggest donators' accounts have been frozen and seized."
"And the Demon any word on what it has been up to?" Harry asked folding the paper up and looked at Jones who shrugged. That got Harry confused, something as important as the Demon and she's shrugging?
"No clue, ever since the attack on the Bones Manor it's been strangely quiet. Perhaps Riddle didn't want everyone to think he had to rely on it to get the job done." Jones said and Harry took a closer look at her. She was always tired at the end of the day but now she looked almost dead on her feet. Bags under her eyes and constantly blinks and flexes her brows the same way tired people did when they were ready to fall asleep on their feet.
"What is it?" Harry asked and Jones looked at him confused.
"What do you mean?"
"Jones, you look terrible what is going on with you?" Harry asked and Jones cackled dryly.
"I'm helping to fight a war and find a way to banish a Demon. That would make anyone feel a bit dead on their feet don't you think?"
"Obviously, but you never have before at least not like this. So what have you been doing recently?" Harry asked.
"Like I said I've been looking at ways to possibly banish the Demon, a lot of Muggle lore states that if you know the Demon's true name it gives you some power over it. Of course, I have no idea if that's muggle superstition or possibly a nugget of truth." Jones said but Harry still wasn't satisfied, something was off with her. Her mannerisms, her posture, and even her tone didn't sit right with him.
"There is something else you are not telling me, Megan. What is it?" Harry asked crossing his arms and Jones wanted to scoff, seriously acting like a scolding parent or something.
"It's nothing Harry just overworked."
"I don't believe you."
"Oh, however, will I get to sleep tonight!" She mockingly said and Harry's eyes narrowed.
"Were you attacked? Is that why you're not telling me?" Harry asked and Jones rolled her eyes.
"No, I wasn't attacked, seriously just drop it," Jones said.
"Nope, something is seriously bothering you and you're not telling me what it is."
"Harry let it go, I am fine look at me," Jones said gesturing to herself.
"Yeah, I am which is why I am worried, somethings off with you. I've seen you tired but not like this what is going on I won't ask again."
"What are you going to do send me to my room?"
"I'll have Dobby tail you how about that? If nothing is wrong he can at least help you search for lore and stuff right? Problem solved I guess." Harry said and turned to return to his room.
"No, you can't do that!" Jones suddenly yelled.
"Why not?" Harry said resuming his original crossed-armed pose. Jones sighed and scowled at Harry.
"Look you'll just overreact anyway. Just trust me, I can handle it."
"I trust you, so can you trust me and just tell me, seriously Jones I think by now you would know I hate when people keep things from me!" Harry said eyes narrowed and Jones flinched at that.
"Fine... I think I am being hunted I can't be sure though."
"Hunted!? By the Demon?" Harry said eyes wide and Jones nodded. "For how long!?"
"Since Dumbledore turned himself in."
"Are you bloody mental! We know how dangerous that thing is and your not even telling me that it's possibly got you in its sights!? What the actual fuck Jones!" Harry said a surprising amount of anger flooding him at that moment.
"Watch it! I know plenty well how dangerous this thing is but I am not going to just hide in a hole the second Riddle or his little pet sets their sights on me."
"That thing destroyed the Bones manor, it almost killed Susan and took her leg! It raided Azkaban with almost no effort and you just kept going out when it's stalking you!?"
"Harry I am not an idiot! I'm never alone and I've always had an emergency Portkey ready to go. I can't just freeze and do nothing for all we know it's targeting me because I am getting close to an answer which means I can't stop now."
"Jones listen to yourself, if this was me you'd slap me upside the head and tie me to my bed until the war was over."
"Damn straight!"
"So why in the nine hells do you think I won't do the same thing to you!" Harry shouted and indeed hit her upside the head. Jones was shocked at first but suddenly shoved Harry against the wall. It wasn't a proper fight but both teens tried to pin the other pushing and pulling grunting and even biting on Jones's part. It was a pointless emotional tussle that resulted in both of them falling over and shoving each other away.
They glared at each other neither willing to back down on their prospective views. Harry wanted to protect the young woman that had become like family to him. Jones felt the same and that's why she felt she couldn't stop.
"You're being stupid," Harry spat.
"You're being emotional, you aren't the only one that is allowed to take risks," Jones spat right back.
"This isn't a risk, this is suicide. You don't have anything that can truly hurt or repel the Demon. Even if I give you Demona I doubt that either of you will escape unscathed. You are possibly the smartest person I know so why-"
"I am not going to lose you!" Jones suddenly screamed out and Harry was taken aback by this.
"What?"
"My mother killed my dad and I couldn't do anything but just watch him suffer and die. I am not going to just sit back and do nothing again just because it's getting a little dangerous!"
"And what about me? How I would feel if you died? You are just as important to me as Hermione, Susan, and Daphne. Just as important as Serius and Remus! You're my family Megan, I don't want to do this without you." Harry yelled right back both teens looked at each other neither backing down and both had red eyes from un-shed frustrated tears.
"I think you both need to cool off." A voice sounded as the two looked over to see Sirius standing there a stern look on his face.
"Sirius you can't be agreeing!" Harry said and Sirius held his hand up.
"I am not taking sides right now, but I can see that neither of you is in the right state of mind to discuss this like intelligent people. So go your separate ways and cool off. Jones, you need to get some sleep and Harry take a walk.
"But-" Harry began but was cut off.
"Now, you two can continue this later," Sirius said as Harry stared hard and growled as he got up and looked between his Godfather and adoptive sister before stomping off. Jones sighed and stood up and began to walk away.
"Where do you think you're going?" Sirius called out and Jones turned.
"Back to work where else?"
"Oh no, I meant what I said young lady you need a nap," Sirius said and Jones just looked at him incredulously.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
"You're not my Godfather," Jones said with narrowed eyes and turned to continue on her way until she started to feel faint. She looked back and saw Sirius with his wand in hand.
"You bi..." She began but fell off as Sirius caught her and called a house elf to take her to her room. Sirius sighed and went to talk to Harry hopefully he'd calm him down so the next discussion the two had was better.
But Harry was quick and had already made his way to the training yard. Luckily Moody had ended the training and his friends had dispersed. He screamed out in frustration as he sent a torrent of Hellfire screaming from his hand the crimson flame scorching a stone.
He could feel his agitation feed through his bond as Demona tried to soothe him with her own. He gritted his teeth, why didn't Jones understand that what she was doing was beyond an unnecessary risk? The Demon was too powerful to take on alone and yet here she was walking around with it hunting her!
He brandished his wand and with a flourish slashed it and the stone she burned now had a lard gash courtesy of a dark purple energy that almost screamed when he used it. He growled as he flourished his wand again imagining the rock was the Demon, he hadn't seen it yet but he imagined that it took the form of the Vernon. His anger flared again as yellow sparks flew from his wand.
"Flamma impius!" He cast and didn't even try to control it, only aimed. Suddenly the sound of his wand rang through his ears just like when it chose him all those months ago. A yellow and slightly red-tinted fire burst from his wand swirling in front of him alive in its own way. Suddenly it split into five distinct collums and the flames took on the appearance of scaled serpents. Something like a cross between a snake and a dinosaur. With a serpentine body but a head that was much more reptilian like a meat-eating dinosaur with horns.
The flaming Hydra he had summoned roared and sounded identical to the roar his wand made as it attacked the rock all heads crashing down on it with unchained fury. Harry immediately lept into action and brandished his wand and felt the connection to the flames and cut it off and banished the fire. There was a shrill cry from the Hyrda but it was cut off as the flames flickered out of existence.
Harry stared for a moment wide-eyed at what he had accomplished, for a moment he was distracted from his frustration as he went over it in his head. Why did the Fiendfyre work this time? Why did it follow his desire? He combed through his brain but then something clicked and he wanted to slap himself it seemed so obvious.
These were the Flames of Damnation are pure destruction. You can't control destruction you can guide it, you can cause it, but a falling crumbling building is going to fall where ever it pleases. A volcano is going to erupt and spew lava out wherever it can. It wasn't like the Flames of Purgatory or Hellfire.
And that is why it worked this time, he wasn't trying to control it like he does the other two, he wanted to destroy something in his anger. So he did and the flames responded and when he was done he banished it. You don't control Fiendfyre, you aim it.
Before he could think of it more he was suddenly knocked over by a familiar furry mass. Demona had pinned him down under her massive head as a flood of calming emotions ran through their bond. Harry accepted them gladly and even felt embarrassed and ashamed that he got so heated so easily.
"Thanks, girl, I'm better now thanks." He said as the Hellhound let him up. He patted her and thought about Jones as he felt guilty.
"Finished your tantrum?" Sirius asked as Harry looked over to see his Godfather walking over to him and he looked away.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have lost control like that," Harry said and Sirius nodded.
"Good, but you should apologize to them, they look more worried than I do," Sirius said pointing up and Harry saw that Hermione, Daphne, and Susan were on the balcony looking down concern etched on their faces. "Go on, they can talk you down better than I can. And when Jones wakes up we are all going to sit down and talk." Sirius said and Harry nodded and shadow traveled to the girls.
As for Jones when she woke up it was nearly ten hours later. She sat bolt up in bed as everything came back to her. She felt the same tinge of shame that Harry had but she felt annoyed that Sirius was able to put her to sleep so easily. Harry was right, she was overworking herself she sighed at the thought and started to get up out of her bed. She was going to exit until; she saw something that made her freeze and reach for her wand.
Drawing it she leveled it at an unknown man sitting in a chair over by her desk facing her. With a quick snap, the lights in her room flicked on and the man was revealed fully. He was pale, very pale with eyes so black it was like they were nothing but pits surrounded by white. He was quite thin as well and old as his face wrinkled to the point it almost looked skeletal and yet he managed to maintain a form of regalness to himself. Clean shaven and with medium-length hair black as night neatly combed back.
He wore Black clothes a neat suit complete with a black vest, shirt, and tie and over it all was a large black trench coat. He also wore classical shiny black shoes and sat with his legs crossed neatly. In his left hand was a cane made of shiny dark wood which a silver top in the image of a hound and raven circling each other.
"I'd hoped we might speak." He said his voice sounding just as old as he looked, actually, it sounded older.
"Who are you and how did you get in here," Jones demanded her wand never leaving the man.
"You know who I am... everyone does. As for how I got in, I walked." The man said very calmly as if he didn't have a wand leveled at him.
"Dobby!" Jones called but the elf didn't show.
"Getty!" She tried calling another one, she tried a dozen other names but no elf showed up.
"They won't bother us, but perhaps a change in scenery might put you at ease... hungry?" The man asked and Jones blinked and all of a sudden she wasn't in her room. Hell, she wasn't even in the Manor she was at a restaurant. She kept her wand on the man and looked around wildly she didn't recognize this place.
"What did you do!?"
"I like the pizza here, I thought a discussion over some food would be better." The man said and Jones noticed a deep-dish pizza on the table where the man now sat. Not only that but they were the only ones in the place not even a worker was there.
"Where are we?" Jones asked and the man cut into the pizza and served himself before answering.
"Chicago." He said getting a fork and knife ready as Jones scoffed.
"Right, besides the fact that American Aurors would've been on us the second we crossed the American borders no Portkey in the world could teleport us that far. Not even Merlin himself could even Apparate that far no one and nothing can. Not even a Zouwu could do something like this." Jones said not buying it for a minute and the man took a bite of his food and savored it.
"You are free to check if you'd like." The man said and again in the blink of an eye, she was outside the restaurant. She looked around and someone approached her.
"You alright ma'am?" a woman asked and Jones looked at her noting that she had an American accent.
"Sure, where am I right now?" Jones asked.
"Aw, a Brit! Well, this is Tony's best Chicago Style Pizza you'll find in the city."
"What city is this?"
"Girl you drunk?" The lady responded to Jones laughing.
"Please?"
"Chicago of course, need directions back to the hotel or something?" The lady asked but Jones shook her head and simply entered back into the building. She looked back and saw the man still just simply eating his pizza. Now she was starting to get worried, whoever or whatever he was he had just taken them from Veilstone keep with its ancient protections, and teleported them across the world.
"Who are you? What are you?" Jones asked as she slowly approached her wand still held tightly but she doubted it would be much use.
"Like I said before, you know who I am. As for what I am... Old, very old. Older than the thing you fight now." He said cutting into the pizza again and placing a slice on the plate opposite him. Jones had little choice at the moment as she sat down every muscle in her body tense and ready to bolt at a moment's notice.
"The thing I fight?" Jones asked and the man's eyes flicked up to her for a moment before he swallowed a bite.
"The Demon, the embodiment of fear." He answered.
"So you know about the Demon,"
"A little more than just know about it, Megan. Its name is Vahlkiel and it is very old as well."
"How could you possibly know that?" Jones asked still a bit wary.
"How could I not... but allow me to ask a question, Megan. What do you know about Demons?" The man asked as he continued to eat. Jones was put on guard even more, how did this man know her name?
"They're concepts that have gained consciousness, creatures that are the literal embodiment of things like fear and wrath."
"A small description for a very complex being but yes, what you do not know is what a Demon craves above all else, agency."
"Agency?"
"Yes, a Demon cannot exist outside of its realm unless summoned and contracted. However, that is why their contracts always require the ultimate payment of a soul, once a Demon has consumed enough souls they gain agency in reality. Meaning they become completely unrestricted in your reality and act upon their desires."
"Is that what you are?" Jones hazard a guest and again the man's eyes flicked up to look at her and it was like he was staring at her soul instead of her person.
"No, I am older than that."
"How old?"
"Older than you can comprehend. Now the reason I am even here is due to the nature of the Demon you fight now. It needs only one more soul to gain the agency it desires. However, it should've never been able to cross the threshold between its realm and your reality in the first place."
"But you said they can be summoned."
"Others can, this one and others like it should not be able to. Once it has been dealt with I will destroy the unseemly loophole it used to come here so it and the others cannot cross over to any reality ever again."
"What do you mean others like it?" Jones asked as the Man grabbed another slice for himself.
"You know that Demons are concepts that have gained sentience, which means whenever an individual of higher complex thinking feels fear a demon has the possibility to be born. That means every child on this planet and every other planet when they reach an age when they can conceptualize and understand fear in its truest sense and feel it a Demon could come into exitance. Do you understand this?"
"I'm following," Jones said, she was still on edge but this was very valuable information.
"Then you would also understand that there had to be a first, a mortal thing that understood and felt fear for the first time ever. What would that mean?"
"That would mean that it would also be the first instance that a Demon would be born," Jones answered.
"Yes, so I reiterate Vahlkiel is very old." He said now focusing on Jones with a meaningful stare. Jones took a moment before her eyes widened and gasped.
"He was the first... the first ever?"
"Yes, what you face is not just a Demon he is the first Demon of fear. A Primordial Fear that is more powerful than you could possibly imagine. If he were to achieve his ultimate goal of agency in your reality every star in your galaxy would be blacked out and every planet would be subjected to a terror so great a terrible that you couldn't possibly fathom." The man said his voice remaining calm and yet still carrying a sense of urgency in his tone.
"How do we seal it away? How is it even repelled against something like our wards for that matter?" Jones asked a slight panic in her voice and the Man looked amusedly exasperated by her question.
"Mortal bravery is such a foolhardy thing, you can't. As for your wards and that Hound your brother has, the full scale of Vahlkiels power is untapped. Part of the loophole I mentioned, however, once it achieves true agency such limitations will be lifted."
"But he was sealed before."
"Yes, by Mage King Solomon and his seventy-two Demon lords and their legions. Even then it was only temporary Tom Riddle didn't break a seal he broke a broken cage. Another few decades and the seal would've broke and Vahlkiel would've been unleashed regardless. It was already weak enough that he was able to affect people outside of his seal." The man explained and Jones sat there silent, she'd read about Solomon. While researching about Demons it was one of the first places she looked but she couldn't find anything that matched. There certainly weren't any stories of Solomon sealing away a powerful demon like Vahlkiel.
"So what? You just here to tell me it's hopeless?" Jones asked and the man sighed.
"No, you can't do anything but I can, which is why I wanted to talk with you. Your brother is doing a valiant job keeping his promise to the keepers but this is something I entrust to you."
"You know about the Keepers?" Jones asked what in the world was she sitting across from?
"Of course I know about them, I created them." Jones sat back at that.
"Back to my point, I can help you but I am subjected to the celestial laws and cannot interfere unless summoned. Normally I wouldn't even bother but this is in violation of many of those laws. Vahlkiel will return to his realm and stay there."
"And who are you that you can do this to such a powerful creature?" Jones asked and now the man placed his utensils down and focused entirely on Jones.
"I've told you that I am old, as old as life, possibly older neither of us can remember anymore if I am being honest. You know me, and so does everyone. You try to ignore me but regardless you shall all meet me and I will take you in time." The man said and Jones thought about it, as old as life? What does that mean... he was speaking in riddles. Everyone knows him yet ignore him but he will take us all? What was...
Jones's eyes widened as every inch of her skin went deathly pale and cold as ice. Every nerve ending she had went numb as the gravity and sheer enormity of the entity sitting in front of her clicked into place. Her mouth went dry and she suddenly found it very hard to breathe. The man just sat there unflinching as he looked down at the pizza he served her.
"Your pizza is getting cold." He said, such a simple statement. So unassuming and yet as Jones robotically reached for a fork and knife she couldn't stop shaking. The tremors in her hands, her whole body, in fact, it felt like someone had her on strings and was bouncing her around.
"I am not going to hurt you, I don't hurt anyone. I simply take you when the time comes." The man said and continued with his meal as a shakey Jones who couldn't quite comprehend the being in front of her joined him.
"Now as for Vahlkiel, he may be powerful but not as strong as me. However, I have harsher restrictions placed upon me than even he does. I can only interfere in mortal affairs once every ten thousand years on any given planet and the last time I was here I was forced to create three objects. A vulgar ritual that summoned me for a short time by three brothers two arrogant and one humble one. While your bedtime stories got it largely wrong it was correct about some things." the man said as he continued with his words.
"I-I know t-the story," Jones said her teeth chattering as if she was naked in the arctic.
"Yes, normally it would be another ten thousand years before I could interfere again but given the circumstances, the rules are being bent. I can help you but you must gather the artifacts and use them to summon me in my full capacity. Once you have done that I can put Vahlkiel back where he belongs." The man said as Jones nodded.
"And w-where are they?" Jones said trying desperately to calm herself.
"You already received one, from the old fool. It accepted you which is why I chose you in the first place." Jones was confused at his statement but then she remembered the wand she had taken from Dumbledore. She had kept it with her due to the strange feeling she got from it. Reaching into her coat she pulled it out, knowing what it was made it feel so much heavier.
"Your brother has the other two. Ask him about the ring something will have been left behind from his efforts to destroy it, and the cloak he has. You will need these and summon me. After that, I shall take care of Vahlkiel and Harry will finish his oath and send Tom to the Keepers. Do you understand?"
Jones nodded her voice failing her and for the first time the man's calm and collect expression changed and he made a small smile.
"Good." And so Jones continued to have a very quiet meal. After all, it would be rude to refuse Death when he offered you a meal.
_SCENE_
Here is number 32 and we got some big game players showing their hands and Susan got her prosthetic now! Harry is very close to finishing the Grimoire, the last one is going to be a doozy, at least I hope so. A lot of stories I read have Death depicted as so, at least in my opinion, corny. He or she is either super aloof or downright goofy. I wanted to take a more Supernatural approach with the character and make him feel like an elder being while still being gentle. Hope I did alright and be sure to let me know what you think! Until next time this has been your Average, Ordinary, Everyday, Fallen Angel!