Chapter 7
Guest- I'm sorry to hear that.
LordofBones- Its less Lily's magic is special and more Hermaeus Mora found her magic interesting in an academic level. That and the whole world he didn't know about until Lily contacted him. If that makes sense.
College of Winterhold
Arch-Mage's chambers
"Absolutely not!" Yelled Brelyna as she shook her head while glaring at the Dragonborn, who had returned along with Serana to the College from their trip to determine what was ailing the people of Winterhold. While they did indeed find out what was causing the disturbance, it was something that wasn't exactly good news. Especially for Brelyna. She had been summoned to the Arch Mage's chambers to discuss the revelations that the Dragonborn uncovered and the deal that Hermaeus Mora offered in exchange for freeing the villagers from Vaermina's influence. Needless to say, she wasn't pleased. "I refuse to allow my son to be used as a pawn by a Daedric Prince. Arch-Mage Brand, you can't expect me to heed the request of a Daedric Prince. Especially this one." The Dragonborn sighed at that before replying.
"I understand your concern, Brelyna." Said the Dragonborn, not reacting to how Brelyna used a part of his name instead of its entirety. "That is why I intended to tell you first before we do anything regarding this. So you have a say on the matter."
"And for that I thank you." Said Brelyna appreciatingly before her voice went back to scorning. "However, my answer is still the same. I will not let my son be a servant for Hermaeus Mora. Or any other Daedric Prince. Brand, you of all people should know just how dangerous it is to deal with the Daedric Princes. What they do to those that partake in deals with them. How much suffering is caused in their name by their insane cultists and followers? How they can break even the wisest and dutybound of people into the complete opposite of what they are. I can't imagine how a child will be affected when he is made to serve one at that age. Especially one like Hermaeus Mora. Please, Brand, if you have any consideration for me and our friendship, do not let Hermaeus Mora take my son into his service."
"As much as I desire that, Brelyna, that is out of our hands." Said the Dragonborn with a sigh, remembering all the times he tried to implore Hermaeus Mora to give up on Harry to no avail. "Harry's birth mother swore him into the service of Hermaeus Mora in exchange for saving his life from a dark wizard. Or so Hermaeus Mora claims. Regardless of how accurate Hermaeus Mora's story is, the fact of the matter is Harry has been forced into the service of Hermaeus Mora the day that his birth mother made that deal with Hermaeus Mora and now Hermaeus Mora intends to make your son into a pawn of his. And we can't do anything about it. At least at the moment." Brelyna wanted to glare at him and yell at him for saying such a thing, but deep within her, she knew that Brand-Ra, the Dragonborn, was telling the truth.
Her little boy was a servant of a Daedric Prince. Forced into servitude by his birth mother, someone that Brelyna used to want to meet out of curiosity but now wanted to throttle her for forcing her son into the servitude of a Daedric Prince, Brelyna wanted to say something, anything to make her friend and leader do something to prevent her adopted son from becoming a pawn for Hermaeus Mora, but she couldn't think of anything. Anything at all.
Hermaeus Mora was quite a persistent Daedric Prince, although that could be said for all of them, and he'll no doubt escalate matters until he gets what he wants. What he's doing to Winterhold with Vaermina at the moment is nothing compared to what those two Daedric Princes can potentially do to Winterhold and even the other holds in Skyrim. Brelyna had both heard and witnessed the powers of the various Daedric Princes through her adventures with the Dragonborn. Needless to say, she shuddered at what horrors the Daedric Princes will unleash on Winterhold to get what they want. And it was that thought that Brelyna realized that they truly have no choice.
Thinking about the poor families in Winterhold suffering at the hands of two Daedric Princes, Brelyna realized that if she tried to withhold her son from Hermaeus Mora's clutches, she was condemning thousands of innocent people to torture via two Daedric Princes. Torture that can very well kill them or leave permeant mental trauma on them, if they haven't already. And she wasn't just talking about the adults. She knew for certain that children were also affected by the nightmares going around in Winterhold. Children both under and around Harry's age. How can Brelyna call herself a mother when hundreds of children were suffering and she had the ability to stop it all. Just by giving two Daedric Princes what they want.
Although a part of Brelyna was screaming at her to not do it, to not sacrifice her adopted child to be a servant of Hermaeus Mora and Vaermina, the Dunmer woman knew what needed to be done. Lest thousands of innocent people suffer for her selfish desires. Plus, she knew for a fact that her adopted son will be disgusted with her if she goes this path of selfishness. She raised him to be selfless and to put others before his own selfish desires. No doubt he would be confused and hurt that she would go against her own teachings, even if it was to protect him. Ironic that her life teachings for her son would be used against her in this specific situation.
Closing her eyes in pain at what needed to be done, Brelyna stood in place before the Dragonborn as the Argonian stood in front of her, awaiting her response. Eventually she sighed before looking at the Dragonborn.
"Please tell me that you'll do everything you can to help my son in his service to Hermaeus Mora and Vaermina." Said Brelyna, a look of pleading on her face. Her eyes show her desperation and fear regarding her son's safety and well-being. Something that the Dragonborn can understand completely. Seeing the fear and desperation in his friend's eyes. It tore Brand-Ra that he was doing this to both Brelyna and her adopted son. Though he didn't interact with the boy much, his various duties kept him quite preoccupied, the few interactions with the boy made him quite fond of him and it angered him that Hermaeus Mora was going to use him for his own selfish ambitions and wouldn't bend to anything that the Dragonborn offered him in exchange for sparing the boy.
He had tried everything to make Hermaeus Mora give up on using the boy for whatever schemes he had in store for Harry, but the Daedric Prince wouldn't budge. Nothing he offered would satisfy the Daedric Prince of Knowledge to give up his claim on Brelyna's adopted son. Not even when the Dragonborn offered to complete several tasks for the Daedric Prince, no matter how difficult and treacherous they were, Hermaeus Mora still desired Harry for himself. This rejection both surprised and worried the Dragonborn. Just how important was Harry to Hermaeus Mora that he would reject the Dragonborn, someone he knew could perform whatever task he desired of him and succeed in a timely manner, offer to do whatever he wanted? The Dragonborn was determined to find out and he wasn't going to let anyone or anything stop him from doing so. Perhaps he'll even find a way to free Harry from his forced servitude to Hermaeus Mora.
"I promise I'll do everything I can to help your son." Said the Dragonborn, his eyes behind his helm showing determination, even if Brelyna couldn't see it. "To not only help him in his servitude to Hermaeus Mora but also find a way to free him from it. I promise." Upon hearing the conviction within the Arch-Mage's voice, Brelyna smiled. Grateful that she had such a wonderful friend as the Arch-Mage. He could have forced her to obey Hermaeus Mora and his orders. He could have not helped her at all in aiding her son. And he would have valid reasons for doing so with his numerous duties within Skyrim and beyond. Yet he decides to help her anyway because he's her friend and also understands the terrible fates that come to those who serve a Daedric Prince, regardless of whatever gains they achieve with such a service. And he wouldn't want such a dark fate to befall her son or any child for that matter.
Smiling at her friend, Brelyna spoke up.
"Thank you, Brand." Said Brelyna, showing her gratefulness with a nod and smile. However it was a bittersweet one because they all knew that her son was still forced to serve a Daedric Prince. How long, they didn't know and it killed Brelyna that they didn't know how long her son will be a servant of the Daedric Prince of Knowledge. "I know that you can't be there for him all the time, your duties to Skyrim being so numerous, but please. Do what you can to help free my son from Hermaeus Mora. He doesn't deserve the fate that befall him." The Dragonborn just nodded at that.
"I promise." Said Dragonborn as he looked upon his friend. "In fact, I intend on starting right now." Upon hearing that, Brelyna couldn't help but blink in surprise.
"Really?" Asked Brelyna, hope in her voice. "And how do you intend on doing that? Did Hermaeus Mora provide something to you?"
"Of sorts." Said the Dragonborn before explaining properly. "Before I left him, I asked Hermaeus Mora what I could do to aid your son in whatever duty he has planned for him as, at that point, I realized that nothing would make Hermaeus Mora from wanting Harry into his servitude. What I got was surprising. He told me that he'll allow me to venture to the location that he intends on sending your son to before him. So as to, in his own words, calm down his mother and also assure me that he won't be in much trouble. At least, for now." Brelyna frowned upon hearing that. It wasn't exactly the most exciting thing to hear, she honestly expected more, but she'll take what she can get at this point. If nothing else, knowing what is in store for her son can help her train him for what is to come. She wasn't going to trust a Daedric Prince's word that her fears will be alleviated just because it said so. She knew enough of them to not trust their word on anything. But if the Dragonborn were to say it, that's a different story.
"I suppose we don't really have a say on anything on this." Said Brelyna as she looked at the Dragonborn. "*Sighs* Do what you can for my son, Brand. Make sure to learn everything you can about the place he intends on sending my son to. And I mean everything."
"Don't worry." Said the Dragonborn as he looked at Brelyna. "I won't leave until I determined just how dangerous this location is to your son. I promise you. Now, if there isn't anything else, I think you should go and tend to your son. It's up to you if you want to tell him now or later, but ultimately he deserves to know what's going to happen to him." Brelyna just nodded at that.
"I know." Said Brelyna. "And that's what I'm afraid of." With that, she turned around and left the Arch-Mage's quarters. Once she was gone, the Dragonborn sighed before venturing to the bed in his quarters and lying on it, uncaring that he was wearing uncomfortable armor at the moment.
"Once again, I'm forced to deal with the Daedric Princes." Thought the Dragonborn as he thought of his latest dealing with some of the most powerful beings in Oblivion. "Only this time, I have to help a young boy in his forced servitude to one of them while also trying to have him be free of said servitude. Life truly can be cruel and difficult when it wants to. Especially for someone like myself." With a sigh, the Dragonborn thought of Brelyna and how much she was hurting at the moment.
Meanwhile
Brelyna
"I shouldn't be angry at him." Thought Brelyna as she walked to her quarters in the college, where no doubt Harry was along with Serana, who had taken it upon herself to bring Brelyna to Brand and left to take care of Harry once the task was done. Right now she was trying to convince herself to not hate the Arch-Mage, who was also her friend. "He's in much pain as I am right now. Perhaps even more so. Not only is he sending a child to be in service to a Daedric Prince, but it's the son of one of his closest friends. Someone who's been there for him during some of his most trying times in Skyrim. He's in an impossible position right now and I can't help but pity him. Even if a part of me wants to punch him or cast a fireball at him, I can't be really mad at him. It should be Hermaeus Mora and Harry's birth mother I should be angry with. One for being the cause of all this stress and anger and the other for making her son, a newborn at that, become a servant to a Daedric Prince. Why would she do that? Does she not know the dangers and peril of doing such a thing? The cost? Or did she not care about her son at all? Was he simply a means to an end? To save her from something? The Dragonborn claimed that the mother did it as a way to save her son from a dark wizard, but that claim came from Hermaeus Mora himself. He could have been misinforming us to get what he wants. What if he swapped the roles? That the wizard in question was trying to save Harry from his mother from something dark and sinister? What if Harry's birth mother was a monster all this time and the wizard sent Harry here instead? But then how is Hermaeus Mora involved? What if…" Brelyna's thoughts were interrupted when she heard the sniffling of a child. Her child.
Panic setting in along with worry, Brelyna quickly made her way to her quarters. Upon arriving, she spotted Harry being held by Serana, who sat on Brelyna's bed while stroking Harry's brown hair. Upon seeing Brelyna in the doorway to her room, Serana stopped and looked at her friend.
"I'm guessing Brand told you everything." Said Serana as she looked at her red-eyed friend. When Brelyna nodded, Serena sighed. "Well, then you should know that I basically did the same thing with Harry. I told him what's coming soon. What he needs to do, who he's forced to serve, why it came to be, and what happens if he refuses to serve the Daedric Prince we all know and loathe. All of it. I'm sorry if you wanted to tell him yourself, but I figured it be better to let him know now rather than later." Brelyna sighed, both in relief that Harry was fine and also annoyance that Serana made him cry, although it was for a valid reason. Walking towards the two, Brelyna took Harry from Serena and began comforting him instead. As she did so, she looked at Serana, who got up, went to a wall in Brelyna's quarters, leaned on it before looking back at Brelyna with her typical cold stare that hid what she actually felt. As they looked at each other, Brelyna thought about Serana and the Dragonborn.
When she learned that Serana was going to tend to Harry while the Dunmer mage talked with the Dragonborn, Brelyna didn't know why she would did so as Serana loved any opportunity to spend time with the Dragonborn that didn't include accompanying him on adventuring or assisting in his numerous duties to the Imperial Legion, the college, or whatever else organization that the Dragonborn found himself in charge with. He had subordinates to take of things so he didn't need to micromanage everything, yes, but there were occasions when he was needed to accomplish certain tasks, whether they be just formal reasons or the tasks being too vital or dangerous to leave to anyone else. This, of course, left the Dragonborn precious little time to spend for himself and his loved ones, something she knew Serana despised along with the Dragonborn. Which is why she treasured what free time she can with him. Now Brelyna could understand why the vampire decided to spend time with Harry over the Dragonborn. She wanted to comfort Harry over what will soon come to be as well as tell him what will happen to him soon. Upon remembering what her son would be forced to do, Brelyna could feel tears forming in her eyes. Holding Harry close, she spoke to him.
"I'm sorry about all this, Harry." Said Brelyna as she comforted her son. "I really am. So is uncle Brand and auntie Serena. They wouldn't have done this to you if they had any other option. Believe me, if there was another way, we would…" She would have continued when Harry spoke up.
"Mom, its okay." Said Harry looking up at his mother, his green eyes glistening with tears but also showing courage despite the fear within them. "I understand. They're saving people from a bad man. People with families like you and me. Children like my age too. They'll all suffer or worse if I don't obey this bad man, right? That's what auntie Serana said." Brelyna looked at Serana, who just nodded. Brelyna internally sighed before speaking.
"Yes." Said Brelyna as she hugged her adopted son tighter than before. "Yes, she is telling the truth. Hermaeus Mora, the bad man, is giving us an impossible choice. Its either you serve him or he makes things much worse for the people of Winterhold. They may not like the College or any of us, Harry, but they're innocent people that don't deserve to be dragged into this. Which is why Hermaeus Mora is doing this. He's using them to force you to serve him and if we don't do as he says then he'll do bad things to the people of Winterhold." Harry went quiet when he heard this. He remembered a time when he left the college with his mother for Winterhold. It was a trip for school supplies at the local market. Brelyna had brought him along so he can experience the Hold and meet new people. Unfortunately, while he did enjoy seeing the hold up close, rather than from the safe confines of the college, he didn't enjoy some of the people as much as he would have liked.
While his mother was shopping for ink and parchment, some kids saw him and made some mean comments about him and his mom. The comments varied from them being mages to him being a human child who has an elf mage for a mother. Harry wanted to go up and punch them for saying those things as he knew that casting a Destruction spell on children would get him in trouble with his mother and the College with Winterhold, who still have a certain level of mistrust with the college despite the Jarl in charge. That and the fact that Brelyna had tightened her grip on Harry, having heard the children's comments on her and her son, preventing him from doing anything to the boys. When they returned to the college after Brelyna finished shopping, she talked with Harry concerning the children. She told him that those children, even though they were bullies and were mean to him and others, that wasn't enough reasons to go pick a fight with them.
She told him that picking fights with people over such petty things would only make them and others despise him and others like him. She further explained to him that, even though it sounded counterproductive and pointless, that it was better to try and make peace with those that insult him over trying to hurt them, thus making them fear and loathe him. To do the latter will only lead to a cycle of hate and mistrust. One that has plagued Winterhold and countless other civilizations in the past. Her people and the Argonians being a prime examples of that. She then told that, even if those that mistrust and loathe him initially will continue to do so despite his efforts to earn their friendship, it won't all be in vain as those who were more open-minded would see that he was not what those distrust him make him out to be. Winterhold was filled with various people with various mindsets around the college and its up to the college and its occupants to help them see how they should view them. Harry, having no reason to doubt his mother's words at the time, took her words to heart and strove to follow them as best he could, which helped him deal with what was going on right now.
In his mind, he was doing this for the people of Winterhold and the college. While he was less interested in saving those kids from years ago, he never got an apology from them as he never met them since, he was more interested in saving everyone else in Winterhold. Those parents that have children suffering from this monster that was hurting them. The elderly that just want to live in peace. And the Jarl that supported the college despite the mistrust his hold had over the college. They all didn't deserve what was happening to them right now and if they learned that the college had a way to save them, albeit a very difficult way to do so, then their resentment of the college will grow. And Harry refused to let that happen. Plus, auntie Serena and his mother told him stories of how his uncle Brand would go on selfless adventures for other people, even if they didn't respect him or worse. Who was he to not do the same in this situation as well?
"Then if it means that they won't suffer, I'll do what this bad man wants me to do. Just like what uncle Brand does for everyone in Skyrim, right?" Said Harry, concerning Serana to look away for a bit.
"He's becoming a bit like Brand." Thought Serena, a bit of amused. It would have been more if it weren't for the situation at the moment. "If only he was older." Brelyna couldn't help but smile at her son's words.
"Just like uncle Brand." Said Brelyna, proud of her son, even if she still despised the situation he was forced into along with herself. She then hugged her son tighter, tears falling as she dreaded what was to come. Harry tried his best to comfort her, but nothing can possibly calm the Dunmer woman at the moment for she was too in thought of what was to come to her son in the days to come. None of which she believed was good.
The Next Day
Dragonborn
"Are you certain of this, Dragonborn?" Asked Tolfdir as he watched the Dragonborn finished packing up for his trip. The mage had learned of what the Dragonborn intended on doing and while he found his desire to help his friend admirable, he couldn't help but relay some concerns he had with the Dragonborn's plan. "I know that you're doing this for your friend, but you must consider the dangers of simply going through a portal that you have no knowledge of what is on the other end."
"I understand your concerns Tolfdir." Said the Dragonborn as he looked at his former teacher of defensive magic. "However, as much as it pains me to admit, Hermaeus Mora and Vaermina is in complete control of the situation. If Harry is not given to the servitude of Hermaeus Mora, then the people of Winterhold will suffer a fate worser than what they already are afflicted with. And nothing I offered persuaded Hermaeus Mora to give up his claim of Harry." That was something that confused both Tolfdir and the Dragonborn. The Dragonborn was one of the most powerful mortals in Tamriel currently. One that was not only reliable, but also one of the most honorable mortals out there. One that always kept his side of the bargain, not matter what. Hermaeus Mora knew this, having made several dealings with the Dragonborn in the past, some of which the Dragonborn regrets ever doing in the first place. So, to hear Hermaeus Mora opted out of such a thing for Brelyna's child serving him, was a shock to everyone that knew as well as a source of concern. Just what was special about Harry that would make Hermaeus Mora desire him? Enough for the Daedric Prince to want his servitude over having the Dragonborn serve him, albeit temporarily?
"I still don't understand what is so special about Harry that Hermaeus Mora desires him as a servant over you." Said Tolfdir. "There must be something about him that we know nothing of for him to do so."
"Indeed." Agreed the Dragonborn. "And I suspect that neither Harry nor Brelyna would like to hear it. Even more than myself. Which is why I must do this. To help them in anyway I can." Tolfdir sighed at that.
"Very well. In that case, I wish you the best of luck, Arch-Mage, and for your safe return." Said Tolfdir. Truth be told, he knew that he didn't have much of a chance at convincing the Dragonborn to not be involved in this situation, but he had to try.
"I'll try." Said the Dragonborn simply before leaving. Upon leaving his quarters, he noticed that Serana was just outside the door, wearing her typical traveling attire with a pack on her back. Seeing this, the Dragonborn made a simple comment. "You wish to come along?"
"What gave it away?" Said Serana sarcastically. The Dragonborn just shook his head before motioning her to follow him. He knew that nothing he can say will stop her from accompanying him on this journey. A journey to help Brelyna and her son, even if it was only minorly. Hermaeus Mora had told them that, if they wished to journey to the location that he intends on sending Harry, then they must venture back to where they found him again and take the portal he left there for them and for Harry when the time comes for him to serve him.
Knowing that there was a strong possibility of this being a dangerous journey, the two stocked up on whatever supplies they needed for an extended and dangerous trip. Whether that be food to extra weapons and armor, they had it all. They've done this plenty of times. Far too many for an average adventure anyway.
Walking out of the college, the two couldn't help but wonder what Hermaeus Mora had in store for them and Harry as well.
Later
Septimus Signus' former outpost
"So this is the portal that old Hermaeus Mora wants us to take?" Asked Serana as she looked upon the dark green portal before her. The two had arrived to Septimus Signus' former home and saw the portal that they were supposed to take. The same portal that Harry will be forced to take as well. "Got to say, I expected something a bit more…special."
"Doesn't matter." Said the Dragonborn as he looked at the portal. "We need to move through it no matter what. For Brelyna's sake as well as that of her son's." Serena sighed at that.
"She better appreciate this." Said Serana as she gauzed the portal, having a bad feeling about this. "There's a good chance that this is just an attempt of Hermaeus Mora to get rid of us and leave Harry defenseless. Well not exactly defenseless but he won't have you around to protect him and that's a pretty big deal."
"I know." Said the Dragonborn, knowing that Serana had a valid concern over all this. Unfortunately, his desire to help his friend's adopted son was strong and if this was the only way to help them, then he'd take it. Even if there's a high chance that this was all a trap by Hermaeus Mora to take him out of the equation regarding Harry. "If you desire, you can still leave and let me handle this alone." Upon hearing that, Serana placed a hand on her left hip, a look of annoyance on her face.
"Now what kind of lover would I be if I let my love go off on a dangerous adventure on his own without some sort of help?" Asked Serana sarcastically. The Dragonborn let out a huff of amusement at that before venturing to the portal with Serana following in tow. Once the two ventured through to the portal, the laughter of Hermaeus Mora was heard in the icy cavern.
"Oh, Dragonborn." Said Hermaeus Mora as a manifestation of the Daedric Prince appeared in the cavern. "It may surprise you, but this journey will not be as dangerous as you claim it to be. At least for you."
Few minutes later
Unknown location
The Dragonborn grunted as the portal disgorged both him and Serana into a patch of grass near a forest. Looking around, the Dragonborn saw nothing out of the ordinary. Just some trees and some wildlife that he was used to seeing, albeit a bit different in appearance to what he was used to seeing. Not a significant differences, but enough that the Dragonborn can notice without putting much thought into said differences. For example, the rabbits were of a different color to those found in Skyrim and the trees were a greener shade compared to those in Skyrim as well. The grass also felt a bit softer and less hardy compared to that found in Skyrim, a result of the harsh environment within the province. This led him to believe he's not in Skyrim but rather in new land that he had no knowledge of, which was both exciting and concerning. One because of the academic potential and the other for the safety and well-being of his friend's adopted child, who will soon venture into this new location.
"Well, so far nothing is out of the ordinary." Said Serana dryly with a hint of surprise as she also looked around her surroundings, noticing that it was night, much to her relief. She really didn't like dealing with the sun. "Just some things we're used to seeing. If this is the place that Harry is being sent to. It doesn't seem so bad. That is if I'm naïve." The Dragonborn just nodded as he continued to look around. Soon he spotted a castle on the horizon. One embedded into some bedrock above a lake, giving a nice view of both the lake and the surrounding area. Seeing the castle, the Dragonborn decided to venture there. He was here to determine the dangers of this place for Brelyna's son and one of the best ways to do so was to make contact with the local populace. Gather information from those that knew the area was a better alternative than going around and figuring out himself. That is if they're friendly and if this wasn't a trap by a Daedric Prince to get rid of him from helping Brelyna's child.
"We'll garner actual information by going to that castle." Said the Dragonborn as he pointed at the castle, the lights within signaling that it was currently occupied. "If the inhabitants of this land are friendly, we can garner some information about this place from here."
"And if they're not?" Asked Serana as she watched the Dragonborn start walking towards the castle before following in tow.
"We fight out way out." Said the Dragonborn as he put a hand on the Daedric sword on his hip. Serana gave a smirk at that.
Later
After some time of walking, encountering various wildlife that reminded them of animals back home, albeit in different shades of colors and sizes, both Serana and the Dragonborn found themselves walking across a long stone bridge toward the main entranceway of the castle.
"Great scenery and all, but where is the people? We haven't really seen anyone since going through that portal." Asked Serana as she walked. Having walked for some time, Serana was a bit surprised to find that they hadn't encountered anyone yet. Even more so as they approached the castle. You think a castle that big would have better security, like patrols in the nearby forest, guards around the bridge, or even just basic soldiers watching from the towers around the castle. But no. Nothing. Which left Serana wondering two things. Were they being watched in the shadows, awaiting a chance to strike once they learn what both Serana and the Dragonborn was up to, or was the castle run by complete and utter fools? Experience was telling her it was the former, but she had a feeling things were not as they seemed. At least in the ways she was used to.
"That is a good question." Said the Dragonborn as he eyed their surroundings, off put at just how lax security for this castle was. No guards. No traps. Not nothing. And his senses weren't picking off any sort of danger at all. Something was wrong and he didn't like it. Before he could say anymore, his senses suddenly kicked in. Instinctively, he drew his sword and prepared for a fight. Serana, seeing this, was about to get into a fighting stance when suddenly a man appeared out of nowhere in a blink of an eye, surprising the two. The two were about to fight when the man spoke.
"Calm yourselves." Said the man calmly as he raised a hand in an attempt to calm down the vampire and the armored lizard before him. "I mean you no harm." Upon hearing that, both Serana and the Dragonborn stopped in their tracks, but still kept their arms about. Both hands on his sword, the Dragonborn looked at the man before him.
The man wasn't anything to write home about. Just an elderly human, most similar to an Imperial or Nord in skin tone, wearing some kind of wizarding robe and a hat that resembled those found in fictional stories regarding wizards and witches. The man seemed harmless, but the Dragonborn knew that appearances can be deceiving. In fact, the Dragonborn can sense the power within the elderly man. It was powerful, not as powerful as the Dragonborn himself, but powerful enough that it kept the Dragonborn on guard.
The three stayed their ground for awhile until eventually the Dragonborn spoke.
"If you claim as you say, then you'll allow us to venture inside your castle." Said the Dragonborn as he stood down. Serana kept her stance, however, sparks of electricity crackling in her hands. "With our arms, of course. Do so and I give you my word that we won't start a fight or cause trouble for you." Upon hearing that, the man hummed at that, in thought, before speaking.
"I will allow it, but only if you agree to tell me why you came to this place." Offered the man, causing the Dragonborn to nod. That seemed to be acceptable, if not too generous. Still, he isn't getting much of a bad feeling regarding this man and so far he hasn't done anything to make the Dragonborn be wary of him. Yet.
"Agreed." Said the Dragonborn, deciding on cooperating with the stranger. With that decision, he returned his sword to its scabbard. He then looked at Serana and gave her a nod. Sighing upon seeing that, Serana nonetheless stayed her hands and the electricity within her palms dissipated. Seeing no threat from the two strangers, the elderly man gave a smile to them.
"Welcome to Hogwarts then, my friends." Said the elderly man with a warm and friendly smile on his face, something that surprised both Serana and the Dragonborn given how they first interacted with each other. "My name is Albus Dumbledore and I hope that we can have a more amicable relationship than what our first interaction alludes to." He then walked up to them with a hand extended out in greeting. While Serana raised an eyebrow while planting her hands on her hips, the Dragonborn looked at the hand as the elderly man made his way to them, stopping a respectable distance from them. Still looking at the hand, the Dragonborn looked at the elderly man called Dumbledore, noting his kind expression, before going back to his hand. Eventually, the Dragonborn took the hand and shook it. The two shook briefly before they let go. With that, Dumbledore escorted them to the castle, maintaining a respectable distance between him and the Dragonborn and his lover. As they walked, Serana looked at the Dragonborn, who looked back. Both of them a bit off put at what was going on right now, given the circumstances of their arrival here.
"What are you up to, Hermaeus Mora?" Thought the Dragonborn as he walked, keeping an eye on Dumbledore as he did so.
