Chapter 87. Strangers from the Chronicle
Harry felt the days slipping away from him, like sand through his fingers. He watched as the world around him changed with every passing hour, every minute, every second. Sometimes, he would think about the people he saw in old black and white photographs when he studied the history of the past. They seemed so distant and unfamiliar to him, even though they lived in the same world as him. They rushed about their business, unaware that soon their lives would be mere dust on the pages of books. Now, Harry was one of them, one of those who ran forward without knowing what they sought. He too carried the weight of worries, problems, and unanswered questions on his shoulders.
Who was he in this world? A child, an old man, a young man? A commoner, a noble, a warrior? How would he return home after the War for the Grail – as a victor or as a defeated? And where was his home?
He would sometimes remember those Christmas photos, where he smiled surrounded by his friends and their Servants. They were so dear and close to him, but would they someday become strangers to their descendants, like those people in black and white photographs? Would their desires and dreams die with them, leaving only secrets behind?
Harry looked at those photos and felt his heart ache with grief. Those people were no more, their time had passed, and all that remained of their lives were a few captured moments on paper. Those days shot by like an arrow. He looked into the future and felt fear. He too was not permanent in this world. It didn't matter how his own life would end. It didn't matter how the history of the whole world would end, in the end, everything would be the same.
As quickly as the years of those strangers from the past passed by, his own days also flew by, relentlessly accelerating their pace. Life changed with astonishing speed, and Harry could barely adapt to new circumstances. One day he thought time travel was fantasy, and the next day he met the eccentric Okabe Rintarou and learned about his tragic fate. One day he lived peacefully and regarded the Holy Grail as a myth, and the next day he saw King Arthur personally leading Britain, ordering him to find the Grail at any cost. Now his friend was Master Mordred, whom Harry always envisioned as a man, but reality overturned all his notions. Even the alternative Joan of Arc was now his classmate.
Harry closed his eyes. Perhaps if this happened to someone else and not him, that person would have gone crazy. It all started with a letter, and then Hagrid came to Harry.
"And have you ever wondered how your destiny would have turned out if you hadn't followed that strange bearded Hagrid?" Dudley Dursley asked, looking at Harry curiously.
Harry shrugged. He had never thought about it. On that day, he felt that he needed to follow Hagrid, that it was his chance to discover the truth about himself and his past. He couldn't stay with the Dursleys, who always hated and mistreated him.
"Then the world would have been in danger," Ron said, sitting next to Harry. "Do you remember what you did in the first year? You saved the philosopher's stone from Voldemort. And in the second year, you closed the Chamber of Secrets and saved Ginny..." He fell silent, unable to continue. Tears filled his eyes as he remembered how he almost lost his sister.
"Then you wouldn't have been able to help Buckbeak and Sirius," Hermione added, embracing Ron. "You know they were innocent, and they were going to be killed. And in the fourth year, you went through the Triwizard Tournament and..."
"Well, you're getting ahead of yourself about the Tournament, Hermione," interjected Alter Jeanne, sitting in the corner. "Harry wasn't the only participant. There were four others."
"But what would have happened to them if Harry wasn't there?" Hermione argued.
Jeanne looked at her coldly and said:
"Cedric could have died. He was the one Voldemort wanted to kill to come back to life. And Fleur and Krum could have become victims of his cronies."
"Still, interesting..." muttered Dudley, ignoring their argument. "How did that basilisk move through the pipes at Hogwarts? It was huge, how did it fit in there?"
"Do you think Hogwarts has plumbers who clean the pipes every day?" Mordred interjected, grinning. "Can you imagine how much dirt and garbage accumulates there in one night? And how easy it is for a basilisk to make its way through all of it?"
"Mordred!" Ron snapped, looking at his servant with disgust. "We don't need to hear about your twisted fantasies!"
"What, you're not curious?" Mordred asked, winking at him. "You know what I can do with pipes if I want to. After all, I'm recognized as the king..."
"That doesn't mean you can say whatever you want!" Ron interrupted her. "You should respect us and our school!"
"...and not go into details about the plumbing at Hogwarts" Hermione finished for him, shaking her head.
Days passed like an endless sea, inexorably pulling Harry into its embrace. Evening lessons with Dumbledore's Army became an integral part of his life. Here he found support, strength, and inspiration. In the cold confines of the Room of Requirement, skillfully enchanted to keep his presence hidden from outsiders, Harry saw his comrades in battle, his family.
The evening sun painted the castle walls in fiery hues, and clouds resembling drifting ships hung over the lake. Voices of students, laughter, and music filled the corridors of Hogwarts once again.
Harry could feel the approaching time of the battle. He knew that the Death Eaters were already preparing for the attack, and that they would have powerful heroes of the past as their servants. Ritsuka Fujimaru, the last Master of humanity, repeatedly reminded the students of what awaited them.
Under Ritsuka Fujimaru's careful guidance, the students learned about the servants who had chosen the side of Darkness. Names like Hercules, Jack the Ripper, and many other great warriors resounded within these walls. Harry studied their faces, trying to understand their character and strength. In a way, he felt respect for them. They were fervent supporters of Voldemort, ready to shed blood for his bloody revolution. Now, they had to confront such opponents.
Harry Potter, shining with determination and hope, stood in the front row, looking at his new friend, Draco Malfoy. Just a few months ago, they were sworn enemies, but now, united by a common goal, they had become unwavering allies. Harry couldn't hide his surprise at how quickly they found common ground and began to trust each other. Together, they felt stronger and ready for any trials that lay ahead.
A flame of determination ignited in Harry's eyes. He knew he couldn't sit idly by while darkness spread throughout the world. He was ready to confront this threat, even if it meant becoming the last hope for everyone. He turned to Malfoy, smiled at him, and nodded, as if confirming his decision.
Together, they began their training, each showcasing their unique skills and abilities. Harry, with the help of his magic wand, created powerful spells, balls of light that destroyed everything in their path. Draco, on the other hand, smiled condescendingly, demonstrating his accuracy and agility, deftly evading enemy attacks and shooting precise shots from his wand.
Everyone knew that the Death Eaters did not rest and were ready to strike at any moment. But the students of Dumbledore's Army felt no fear. They were ready to fight to the last drop of blood to protect their world and those they cared about.
Like a dance, Harry and Draco's movements were coordinated and elegant. They interacted with each other without words, as if reading each other's thoughts. Their souls were connected by a common goal and a belief in a bright future.
During Quidditch training sessions, Harry immersed himself more and more in the game. He flew on his broomstick, becoming one with the sky, feeling the wind on his face and adrenaline rushing through his veins. Thanks to Quidditch, he found a way to free himself from the burden of problems, at least for a while.
Meanwhile, Draco was by Harry's side during training, supporting him and urging him not to give up. Their friendship had become strong and genuine. Both Draco and Harry understood that they faced the same threat and must join forces to overcome it. Draco was a quiet but resolute pillar of support in Harry's life. He shone with confidence, supporting his friend and believing in his strength.
All these training sessions, interactions with Draco, contemplations of the upcoming battle with the Death Eaters and all their potential allies in Dumbledore's Army, made Harry feel as if the ground beneath his feet was frozen, waiting for his next move, the next battle. And he was ready for it.
Ritsuka Fujimaru, the great warrior and wise mentor, demanded proof of the students' abilities in the form of their Servants. He conducted individual training sessions with each young Master, as well as group exercises, to see and evaluate their cooperation with their Servants.
These days turned the Room of Requirement into a huge stadium, full of incredible diversity. Here one could find all types of locations, from lush forests to abandoned city outskirts, from snowy mountain peaks to turbulent seashores. Walls, pipes, and corridors created various obstacles that students had to overcome. Ritsuka recreated the most diverse landscapes, structures, barriers, and labyrinths. One could find mountains, rivers, forests, and even a desert. It was all recreated with such mastery that it seemed as if they were in another world. It was a simulation of a real battle, combining all possible conditions and challenges.
Every day, the students trained not only to use their magical abilities but also to develop their collaborative skills with their Servants. Cooperation became the main aspect of their training. They trusted their Servants as their most faithful companions and together developed strategies and tactics for future battles.
Ritsuka paid special attention to joint tactics, ignoring the looming threat of Voldemort's Legilimency. He knew that focusing on this threat would only distract his students from their main goal - achieving the best teamwork possible. Instead, he instructed the young Masters in matters of collaborative tactics, helping them develop their skills of interaction and coordination. He aimed to achieve the best teamwork from his students. He taught them to work as a team, strengthened their trust in each other, and showed that only by uniting could they withstand the power of Darkness.
With each passing day, the students grew stronger, their connection with the Servants became stronger. Gradually, they developed an unstoppable confidence and belief in their abilities. They trusted Ritsuke and his teaching methods more and more.
Since Harry did not want to have his own Servant, Ritsuke paid special attention to him, helping him develop his own skills and confidence. He saw leadership potential in Harry and was ready to help him realize it.
The Room of Requirement was filled with incredible noise, the sounds of spells, footsteps, and a storm of emotions. The story of this group of students, Masters and Servants, surrounded by a magical atmosphere, filled the room with movement and energy.
Gusts of wind could be heard in the room as the students performed their spells. Sharp turns of the head, swift movements of the hands, and ominous lightning bolts of magical energy filled the space. The ground shook with the force with which they uttered their spells. The gazes of the Masters and Servants were directed forward, united by common goals.
Harry and Malfoy, although recently becoming friends, competed with each other. Their movements were lively and determined. They sought to improve their magic and their connection with their Servants, knowing that they would soon be on the front lines in the battle against the Death Eaters. Their eyes, full of determination and energy, shared strength and confidence with each other.
Ritsuke stood in the center of the room, watching his students with pride and reverence. Admiration and deep understanding of the role they would play in the upcoming battle flickered in his eyes. He knew that these young wizards faced harsh trials, but he believed in their strength and determination.
Astolfo, fully armed, gracefully leaped over rocks and obstacles on his faithful hippogriff. His movements were smooth and confident, captivating all who watched. He was not only a great paladin but also a joyful friend who lifted spirits with his jokes and sincere smile.
During his training sessions, Astolfo displayed a high level of strength and agility. Performing complex acrobatic tricks, he amazed all the students. Every movement of his was precise and elegant, representing courage and grace.
His presence on the field influenced Sam and the other students. The Servant was a reliable support and inspiration for Sam. Together, they formed an incomparable duo, complementing each other in their pursuit of excellence and achieving their dreams. Sam and Astolfo were inseparable friends, ready to support each other in all trials, which only strengthened their alliance.
The audience's gaze was fixed on their every move. Their performances prompted applause and excitement, heating up the atmosphere in the room. They were perfect partners - Sam, determined and brave, and Astolfo, noble, beautiful, and flawless in his technique.
Agatha Sunspark had always admired Sherlock Holmes and his brilliant mind. Each of their training sessions was a unique adventure for her, where rationality and imagination converged in a single burst. They traversed the vast world in search of puzzles and solutions, and Agatha couldn't help but feel their bond growing stronger and more trusting.
They moved from one place to another with ease and angelic grace. Sherlock, with his precise and confident steps, seemed to attract Agatha, making her follow him without doubt. Holding her breath, she felt the fire of knowledge spark within her.
All the events around them seemed like the realities of their progress. Cars collided in the street chaos, and the lamplight flickered, reflecting on neatly painted mannequins. The air was filled with the smell of leather and smoke, and the rustling of strings and the clicking of guns added an air of antiquity and mystery to everything that was happening.
Their entire duty was focused on solving mysterious crimes and unraveling complex challenges. Their conversations were filled with significant details, which Agatha absorbed like a sponge. She admired Sherlock's deduction, his ability to see even the most insignificant details and construct a narrative from them.
However, despite these elaborate adventures, Agatha still remained the same shy observer. She preferred to hide her emotions, her face remaining impenetrable and expressive. Her eyes sparkled with the spark of knowledge as she looked at Sherlock, eager to immerse herself in his beautifully constructed world.
All the events and conversations around them seemed like small puzzles to her, which she could piece together into a whole. She often spent her evenings with Sherlock, engaging in long and productive dialogues. They discussed strategies and seeking solutions, anticipating the adventure that awaited them.
Agatha and Sherlock knew that the upcoming showdown would be dangerous, but their excitement and passion for knowledge were unwavering. Together, they moved towards their goal, overcoming all difficulties and obstacles. The tension of their partnership was formed by expectations and determination, and they prepared themselves for their roles in the impending battle.
Everything around seemed blurry, as if their gaze was purposefully looking through time and space. Agatha and Sherlock continued their training, each time overcoming new obstacles and unraveling complex riddles. They were confident in their partnership and friendship, realizing that only together could they oppose the Darkness and bring light and justice to this world.
Katie Mallowhate looked at her Servant with contempt and distrust. She couldn't even stand next to him because his presence caused her genuine pain. Imagine - her, with her manners, having to deal with the soulless executioner Charles-Henri Sanson, responsible for the executions of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, who was known for her kindness. She looked at him with anguish and concern, and finally, unable to bear the weight that suddenly fell on her in the form of this Servant, she fell to her knees and burst into tears.
"Why?" she whimpered through her hands, covering her face. "Why you of all people? You killed them all... How can you forgive yourself for that?"
Charles-Henri Sanson looked at her with full awareness of his guilt and regret. He knew he didn't deserve her sympathy, tears, or respect. He understood how his fate oppressed him, how his duties contradicted his conscience. He realized that he couldn't change the past, but he dreamed of a better future. He wanted to be more than just an executioner; he wanted to be a protector, a servant, and a saver of lives.
"Forgive me, madame..." he whispered, bowing his head. "I never wanted to cause you suffering. I never wanted to be your servant or anyone's servant. But I was given no choice. I was bound by my professional duty, my era, my king. I couldn't choose whom to spare and whom to condemn to death. I was just a puppet in the hands of power."
"A puppet?" Katie asked, raising her head. "You call yourself a puppet? You're a human being! You have a mind and a conscience! You could have refused, resisted, dropped your bloody knife and walked away! You could have made a choice, but you didn't! You chose to obey, to kill instead of living!"
"You don't understand..." Charles-Henri began to explain, but he wasn't allowed to finish.
"No, you don't understand!" Katie exclaimed, standing up. "You don't realize what you've done! You don't see what you've lost! You don't perceive the possibilities you had and still have! You don't grasp who you could become!"
She grabbed him by the collar and pulled him towards her, staring into his eyes.
"Look at me!" she ordered. "Look at me and tell me what you see!"
Charles-Henri looked at her and saw something exceptional: strength in her eyes, passion in her distorted face, freedom in her tousled hair, and kindness in her ironic smile. He realized that she was both his opposite and his ally. She was his only chance at redemption. And because of her, he found his cause and direction.
"Even if that's true," he whispered sorrowfully, "we can't change the life we've lived."
Katie saw tears in his eyes and let go of him. Now she felt guilty in front of him and involuntarily asked herself if she herself had turned into an executioner for him.
Luna Lovegood stood on the edge of a high cliff, watching as Melusine floated above the surrounding landscapes. Her silvery hair glistened in the sun, and the blue and indigo garments she wore enhanced the feeling of her otherworldliness. Small and agile, she was like an elegant fairy, effortlessly overcoming obstacles with grace and ease.
Luna watched as Melusine soared with the swiftness of the wind, gliding freely over green fields and streams. Every movement she made was precise and determined, leaving a trail of sparks behind her in the air. When she reached her maximum speed, it felt as if the whole world revolved around her.
But when Melusine landed, she became much more mysterious and enigmatic. Her cold eyes and impassive mask frightened and repelled those around her. Her deliberate seriousness created a barrier between her and others, making her unapproachable. This was what fascinated Luna—how she could be both so strong and vulnerable at the same time.
Harry looked at Melusine with astonishment. With each passing day, she revealed more facets of her character. In her eyes, he saw depth and complexity that drew him in. He noticed that Melusine seemed to speak openly with other Servants, revealing her thoughts and feelings to them, something she did not do with Luna. She became more accessible and sincere, giving a piece of her soul to anyone who called upon her.
It was a paradoxical situation. Melusine remained a mystery to many, yet those who summoned her found something to marvel at, which intrigued and immersed them in her world. Bonds formed between them, invisible threads woven with love, friendship, and loyalty.
Luna interrupted her thoughts, seeing that Melusine had landed beside her. She turned and smiled at the fairy. And although Melusine remained mysterious and unpredictable, Luna knew that there was a connection between them that was unbreakable by time or space.
"Are you ready, Melusine?" Luna asked.
The fairy looked at her Master, and Luna caught the fire of determination and battle in her eyes.
"I am ready, Luna," Melusine replied, and their duality became clear. Both were strong and vulnerable in their own ways, and only together could they conquer even the most absurd dreams.
Luna and Melusine took each other's hands, and with their entire essence, their very being, they prepared for the impending battle. All their friends and allies gathered around them, ready to support, protect, and fight alongside them.
"Then watch me," Luna said and took a step off the rocky shore on which she stood. Although nothing threatened her at that moment, except the possibility of getting wet in the Fujimaru pond she had created, Melusine dared not hesitate.
In an instant, Melusine appeared before her, floating above the ground, like a delicate veil of mist. Melusine's silver hair shimmered in the sun, reflecting her strength and magic.
And so, Luna and Melusine began their training, their movements merging into a single tango. Melusine flew with the swiftness of the wind, effortlessly overcoming any obstacles with grace. Her wings emitted a bright light, illuminating the surrounding landscape and creating the impression of a resolute and bold girl.
However, despite her power and centuries-old wisdom, Melusine could not fully understand Luna. Their communication was complex and enigmatic, like a conversation in a language only they could understand. Luna Lovegood always seemed like a mystery to the students of Dumbledore's Army, but with Melusine, she became even more unfathomable. Together, they created an atmosphere of surrealism, where reality and magic merged into one.
Melusine was small and nimble, but her appearance was deceiving. She was strong and determined, able to overcome any difficulties. Her clothing, radiating shades of blue, emphasized her connection to the fairy world. It was as if she were Luna's true sister, if Luna had one. But her cold demeanor and serious expression prevented others from deciphering when she was joking or speaking seriously. This both instilled fear and repelled people, but at the same time, it drew them to her like a magnet.
Colin Creevey and Voyager, one in gold and the other in blue-black attire, competed in the art of maneuvering and complex tricks. Despite flying behind Voyager on an old Cleansweep, struggling to keep up with the Nimbus, Colin's feeble attempts to catch up to the Seeker still elicited satisfied exclamations from the other students of Dumbledore's Army who watched the spectacle unfold before their eyes.
Voyager's golden armor glistened in the light, reflecting his maneuvers performed alongside Colin Creevey. Each movement was precise and elegant, as if gravity itself became subservient to him.
Colin watched Voyager's every move with curiosity and dedication. He absorbed every detail, trying to apply the knowledge he had gained to his potential participation in the battle. Harry wanted to protect him from this, but Colin and his brother Dennis were too determined, and as Harry looked at them, he already understood the futility of his efforts. His whole essence was intertwined with energy and passion, reflecting in the gracefulness of his movements.
"It's amazing how his personalized form reflects his true essence," Draco Malfoy whispered to Harry, his voice filled with recognition, which was rare for him.
Harry nodded, agreeing with Malfoy. From his own experience, he knew that Seekers usually reflected the character of their Masters, but Voyager was unique in this respect. His appearance also represented the nature of the cosmos itself - infinity, mysteries, and the unknown.
"This lad really sets the stage on fire," Harry said, attentively following every trick, every twist and flight of Voyager. "He has so much energy and life. It's astonishing that he will go through such a difficult path being away from home."
Malfoy nodded, his pale face briefly lit up with a smile that only accentuated his aristocratic features.
"But he has learned to channel that energy for his own benefit instead of longing for the past."
Harry furrowed his brow thoughtfully, immersed in his reflections. Watching Voyager, he realized that it was yet another bold reminder that adventures and dangers lay beyond the familiar boundaries of Hogwarts, and he had to be prepared for them.
Suddenly, Voyager somersaulted in the air, eliciting excited cheers from Colin Creevey and those around him. Afterward, he gently landed on the ground, showcasing his stunning performance to everyone.
Voyager, energetic and full of life, embodied the freedom and possibilities of outer space. His tricks were filled with confidence and daring. He honed his skill to absolute perfection, and his bold maneuvers captivated the spectators.
Harry, watching Colin and Voyager, felt excitement and inspiration that made him want to challenge himself. He observed how Voyager effortlessly overcame obstacles and performed incredible stunts. Harry wanted to learn the same tricks on a broomstick and reach heights he had not yet been able to attain.
"I'll give it a try," he decided, his voice sounding resolute.
Malfoy turned to him with surprise on his face.
"Are you serious?"
"Why not?" Harry replied with a smile, whispered the coveted "Accio, Firebolt!" and then turned to Voyager, shouting, "Hey, Voyager, show me where the lobsters hibernate!"
The entire audience froze in anticipation - Harry approached the edge of the platform and took the broomstick in his hands, preparing for takeoff. His heart was beating faster, and his face was bright with anticipation.
The Voyager took off into the air, accompanied by a thunderous sound of ascent. The magical seriousness and emotional tension reached their peak as the Voyager began to perform its amazing tricks in the sky.
Harry soared into the air, feeling the adrenaline pumping through his veins with each maneuver. He took a deep breath and decided to trust this new power and confidence he felt.
It was the moment when Harry realized that his life was not just about battles and tough decisions, but also an opportunity to become who he was meant to be. And he felt grateful to the Voyager for sharing this wisdom with him.
Dudley Dursley, Harry Potter's cousin and recent friend, astounded the mighty Ritsuka Fujimaru with his ability to handle Koyanskaya. Could he have expected that Dudley would be so skilled in dealing with such a powerful Servant? Koyanskaya was known as a ruthless and unwavering warrior capable of subduing anyone, but Dudley not only resisted her control, but also gained her cooperation. A captivating seductress, a terrifying alter-ego of the great Tamamo-no-Mae, Koyanskaya obediently listened to his commands and always stood guard for her new ally - one of the outstanding Gryffindor students.
In the training room, they looked quite ordinary. Dudley, with great diligence, worked hard to improve his skills, overcoming difficulties and honing his magic. He was determined and focused on the future, despite his past and previous prejudices. Koyanskaya, with her skillful movements and rifle shooting barely outmatched by her own, supported him with every action. They resembled a well-coordinated team with a common and unshakable goal.
Other members of Dumbledore's Army watched them with fear and astonishment. They saw how Dudley, just a couple of years ago a simple Muggle, became a full-fledged member of this magical world, a wizard to be proud of. It was a gift of destiny, an opportunity for growth and acceptance. And Dudley didn't disappoint. He embodied the power of friendship and overcoming prejudices.
Often, after classes, Dudley and Harry stayed in the Room of Requirement, discussing their successes and talking about upcoming trials. Harry was grateful to Dudley for his support and loyalty. He saw how his cousin, when faced with the magical world, turned into a true hero. They may have disagreed on many things, but they were bound by a strong friendship that allowed them to trust each other and confidently move forward to the battle against the Death Eaters.
As the days flew by, Harry and Dudley grew closer to each other. They shared hopes and fears, dreams and decisions. The approaching battle ignited their hearts, filling them with strength and determination. The joint training with Koyanskaya only confirmed their ability to work as a team and trust each other.
In turn, Harry looked at Dudley with gratitude and respect. He never expected his cousin, who had previously been so hostile to magic and everything associated with it, to be so open to new possibilities. Harry was proud of how Dudley dealt with Koyanskaya - a Servant who could cause a lot of trouble. Each of them saw a miracle in it. Each of them wanted to see in it that amazing sign that signifies only success.
Every cell in their bodies was filled with the atmosphere of the upcoming confrontation. It seemed as if time stood still. Their hearts beat so loudly that Harry felt the walls of the Room of Requirement tremble, surrounding Dumbledore's Army. And in this amazing and truly incredible moment, everything seemed possible.
The days went by. Harry watched his life rapidly changing. He sometimes remembered strangers from the black-and-white newsreels of the past. Each of them hurried somewhere, with their own tasks, worries, problems, and unanswered questions. Now he, too, like those strangers from the newsreels, hurried somewhere with his own tasks and carried the burden of his own worries, problems, and unanswered questions.