Chapter 74. The Song of the Legend
Harry Potter felt his stomach churn as he materialized on the Grimmauld Square with Ron, Hermione, and Jeanne-Alter. He was glad to leave Hogwarts for the holidays, but not too thrilled about traveling through the portal. He always preferred flying on a broomstick or apparating with someone, or using more familiar means of transportation.
"Well, here we are," Ron said, brushing off the dust. "This is house number twelve. Sirius lives here."
"Let's go inside quickly," Hermione suggested. "I don't want to stand out in the cold."
"I agree," Jeanne-Alter chimed in. "And don't forget the Fidelius Charm. Don't tell anyone where we are."
Harry nodded and followed his friends to the door of the house. He knocked and waited for someone to answer. He could hear some movement inside.
"Who's there?" Sirius Black's voice came from behind the door.
"It's us, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Jeanne," Harry replied.
"Oh, you're here! Come in quickly!" Sirius exclaimed and opened the door.
Harry saw his godfather in front of him, smiling widely and joyfully. He was dressed in jeans and a sweater, looking younger and healthier than ever. Standing next to him was Kreacher, the house-elf, who also smiled enthusiastically at the guests.
"Hi, Sirius!" Harry said and embraced him.
"Hey, kid! How are you? How's school? How's your Servant?" Sirius asked, embracing Harry.
"Everything's good, Sirius. School's going well, and my Servant... well, I haven't summoned one," Harry said.
He didn't know why he hadn't summoned a Servant, like other Masters did. Maybe he didn't want to participate in the War for the Grail, or maybe he didn't have enough magical power for it. Either way, he was the only one among his friends who didn't have a Servant.
"You haven't summoned a Servant?" Sirius asked again. "Why?"
"I... I don't know," Harry hesitated. "Maybe I don't want to fight for the Grail, or maybe..."
"Maybe you're just afraid of losing him or her, like you lost your parents or almost lost me," Sirius guessed.
"No, it's not like that, Sirius. I'm not afraid of losing someone. Maybe... maybe I just don't know who I want to summon. Yeah, I haven't thought about it yet... I don't know who could be my Servant," Harry said.
"Well, then you should think about it, Harry. You should decide who you want by your side in this war. You should choose your Servant, just like you chose your broomstick or your wand. You need to find your perfect partner," Sirius said.
"Perfect partner?" Harry asked, confused.
Harry turned around and saw his friends already inside the house, talking to their Servants.
Hermione was engaged in a deep conversation with the unparalleled Nikola Tesla – the famous inventor and scientist who served as her Servant. Tesla was dressed in his usual blue attire, which he never changed. In his hands, he held a device that constantly sparked and emitted intriguing sounds. He passionately explained the workings of his invention to Hermione, who listened to him with great interest, forgetting about everything else in the world.
Meanwhile, Ron was joking and laughing with a mysterious knight who wore bright red armor and carried a majestic sword on his back. This knight, not removing his helmet, recounted his crazy exploits and thrilling adventures to Ron, eliciting bursts of laughter from both of them. They exchanged jokes and occasionally nodded approvingly to each other.
Fred and George joined them. The mischievous twins conversed with the legend, the well-known outlaw and folk hero, Robin Hood. Dressed in green with arrows on his back, Robin Hood was the epitome of fun and generosity, while remaining clever and resourceful. He shared his schemes with the twins about tricking the rich and helping the poor, all accompanied by a mischievous smile on his face.
Jeanne stood at a distance, her arms crossed over her chest. She was dressed in a black Hogwarts uniform with bright red accents, highlighting her individuality. Jeanne was slim and pale, her luxurious blond hair almost reaching her shoulders, and her amber eyes concealed the deepest secrets. Despite the prevailing sadness and melancholy, there was no usual self-satisfied smirk on her face, and no one could even guess what lay in the heart of this mysterious girl.
The guests were gathered in the living room on Grimm Square. Sirius and Lupin were sitting in another room, discussing the plans of the Order of the Phoenix. Kreacher, the house-elf known for his kindness, not only served them tea and cookies but also presented each of them with a small souvenir made by his skilled hands. Harry received a silver ring with the Black family crest, Ron received a golden brooch with the image of a phoenix, and Hermione received a chunky bracelet adorned with bright gemstones. The others were not forgotten either. Dudley received an elegant moonstone on a chain, Ritsuka was delighted with a clock with an unusual dial, and Mash received a necklace with an exquisite cross. Jeanne, on the other hand, was awarded bright earrings adorned with black pearls.
"Thank you, Kreacher," Harry said with a smile, feeling warmth in his heart. "That's very kind of you."
"Yeah, thanks, Kreacher," Ron chimed in, and the others nodded in gratitude.
"You're welcome, young ladies and gentlemen," the house-elf replied with a proud smile. His heart was filled with joy at being able to be helpful and pleasant. "Kreacher is proud to serve Mr. Harry's friends."
"Do you think Sirius and Lupin will finish soon?" Ron asked.
"I think Sirius and Lupin will finish soon," Harry answered Ron's question, sipping his hot tea. "They are discussing important matters."
"They are probably discussing Voldemort's followers," Hermione speculated. "We know that he has already called a few."
"Yes, that's true," Ritsuka agreed. "We know that he has Hercules at his disposal..."
"Rumour has it that he also has Medusa and Camo-no-Hase," Ron interjected.
"Who are they?" Dudley asked, his face showing surprise.
"They are followers from different myths and legends," Mash explained. "Hercules is an ancient Greek hero who performed twelve incredible labours. Medusa is a woman with snakes for hair who can turn people into stone with her gaze. And Camo-no-Hase is a Japanese god of the moon and poetry."
"Wow, that sounds scary," Dudley said, feeling a slight shiver run down his spine.
"Don't worry, we are not helpless against them," Jeanne reassured him, exuding power and self-control in her voice. A spark of confidence flickered in her eyes, which could inspire even the most desperate enemy to retreat.
"Well, I want to learn more about King Arthur," Ron frowned. "He's also a follower, right?"
"Yes, he is a Saber-class Servant," Mash replied. "He rules Britain and protects it from enemies. He is very powerful and noble."
"But you still haven't found out who summoned him, have you?" Ron asked.
"That's unknown," Mash answered. "Nobody knows who his Master is and what his goals are."
"Maybe it's Dumbledore?" Dudley suggested, causing Hermione to look at him in disbelief.
"No, it's not him," Hermione quickly retorted, looking at him teasingly. "Dumbledore doesn't dabble in such things. He's too busy fighting Voldemort and preparing Harry for his destiny."
"And what is Harry's destiny?" Ritsuka asked, looking the most interested.
"That's a long story," Harry sighed, rolling his eyes upwards. "I have to kill Voldemort or he'll kill me. We are bound by a special magic that doesn't allow us to coexist."
"That sounds very sad," Mash whispered, her eyes filled with sympathy. "I hope you can win and be happy."
"Thank you, Mash," Harry smiled. "You're very kind."
"You're welcome, Harry," Mash shook her head. "I'm always ready to help you."
Jeanne listened to the conversation with inner annoyance. At these words, she chuckled uncontrollably, causing everyone to turn towards her. Undeterred and unfazed, Jeanne chuckled again and suggested:
"Let's play something? It's just so boring sitting here and doing nothing."
"Good idea, Jeanne," Ron said. "What do you want to play?"
"Let's play chess," Jeanne suggested. "I'm sure I can beat all of you."
"Chess?" Ron asked. "Do you know how to play chess?"
"Of course," Jeanne confidently replied. "It's an incredibly interesting intellectual game."
"Well, let's play then," Ron agreed. "I also love chess. I have my own board and pieces. They're magical, they can move and talk."
"Great," Jeanne agreed. "Let's set up the board on the table and start the game."
"And who will judge?" Harry asked.
"Maybe Kreacher?" Hermione suggested.
"Very well, Miss Hermione," Kreacher said. "Kreacher will judge the game between Mr. Ron and Miss Jeanne."
"Thank you, Kreacher," Hermione said gratefully.
"And can we watch the game?" Ritsuka asked.
"Of course," Ron said. "You can sit next to us and comment on the moves. But don't give us any hints, that would be unfair."
"All right, we'll be quiet," Ritsuka promised.
Ron and Jeanne took their places at the table and carefully set up their pieces on the board. Ron played with the white pieces, and Jeanne played with the black pieces. The others sat behind them and watched the game.
"So, let's begin," Kreacher announced. "Mr. Ron moves first."
"Okay, I move my pawn from e2 to e4," Ron said and moved his piece on the board.
"Hmm, interesting move," Hermione commented. "It's called the King's Gambit. It allows for quick development of your pieces and attacks the center of the board."
"Yes, I know this move," Jeanne Alter said confidently. "But I'm not afraid of it. I move my pawn from e7 to e5, accepting the gambit."
"Wow, she's not afraid to risk her pawn," Dudley remarked. "It's called the Open Gambit. It allows for advantageous development and counterattacks."
"Yes, she plays well," Ron admitted. "But I'm not giving up. I move my knight from g1 to f3, attacking her pawn."
"And I move my knight from b8 to c6, defending my pawn and preparing for further development," Jeanne Alter responded.
The game continued in the same spirit. Ron and Jeanne Alter took turns making their moves, while the others watched and commented. The game was intense and exciting. Both players demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and strategies. They attacked, defended, sacrificed, and won pieces. They didn't give each other a break and didn't allow for mistakes.
Finally, the game reached its climax. There were only five pieces left on the board for each player: king, queen, rook, bishop, and pawn. Ron had a slight tactical advantage, but Jeanne Alter had a better position on the board. She controlled the center and threatened checkmate to Ron.
"I'm moving my queen from d8 to g4," said Jeanne Alter. "Check to your king and rook."
"Oh no," sighed Ron. "I can't defend both pieces at once. I have to choose what to save."
"Yes, you're in a difficult position," said Jeanne Alter. "What will you do?"
"I'm moving my king from g1 to h2," said Ron. "I save my king, but lose my rook."
"Good, I'll take your rook with my queen from g4 to h1," said Jeanne Alter. "Now I have a significant material advantage, and I can achieve victory."
"Yes, you're right," admitted Ron. "You're playing very well. I surrender."
"Hurray! I won!" exclaimed Jeanne Alter. "I'm the best in chess!"
"Congratulations, Jeanne," said Ron. "You deserve this victory. You're a smart and strong player."
"Thank you, Ron," said Jeanne Alter. "You played well too. You were a worthy opponent."
"You both did great," said Kreacher. "Kreacher is happy for you."
"Yes, you both did great," the others chimed in.
Harry looked at Jeanne Alter and saw a sparkle of joy and pride in her eyes. He felt respect and admiration for her. She was so beautiful and talented. He thought she was a wonderful girl, despite all the fear that his dreams of her past had imposed on him.
He remembered their last conversation. Now he calmly looked into her eyes and didn't see any hidden threat in them. Instead, he saw something entirely different; he just couldn't recognize it yet. Involuntarily mesmerized by her extraordinary eyes, Harry thought that it would be a good day before Christmas.
Jeanne d'Arc Alter and Mordred walked through festive London, enjoying the winter air and bright decorations. They were dressed in Muggle clothing to blend in, but still looked and acted unusually, which made passersby look at them in surprise. Jeanne Alter wore a dark blue suit with white fur and a red scarf. Mordred wore a red sweater with reindeers and green pants, which accentuated her slender figure and muscular legs, and had a black cloak draped over them.
They walked through Trafalgar Square, where a huge Christmas tree stood adorned with colorful lights and baubles. People around them were bustling, laughing, taking photos, and exchanging gifts. Christmas music played from loudspeakers, creating a festive atmosphere.
"How do you like it here?" Jeanne Alter asked Mordred, trying to distract herself from her boredom and annoyance. She disliked crowds and noise, and disliked even more the fact that Ritsuka Fujimaru had left her alone with Mordred for the whole day to go with Harry Potter and his friends to Diagon Alley for Christmas shopping. Jeanne Alter had been interested in Harry ever since they met, but she considered her interest strictly pragmatic. She knew that Voldemort and his Death Eaters would definitely be searching for Harry Potter, or her. Therefore, she didn't need to search for anyone on her own and preferred to be close to him. She always tried to be cold and stern, but now she felt like something had broken.
"Not bad at all," Mordred replied enthusiastically. She loved new places and adventures, and even more so the fact that Ron Weasley had left her alone with Jeanne Alter for the whole day to go with Hermione Granger and others to Diagon Alley today. Mordred secretly envied Ron for his relationships, but she never admitted it to anyone, not even to herself. She always tried to be cheerful and carefree, and had a categorical disdain for any manifestations of boredom.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Mordred glanced at Jeanne.
"Yes, not bad..." Jeanne Alter answered without showing much enthusiasm. "But I would prefer Paris. There everything is truly Christmassy."
"Pff, Paris..." Mordred snorted. "It's full of snobs and French people. London is much better. It has a spirit of freedom and adventure."
"Oh, come on..." Jeanne Alter sighed. "You simply don't know the value of elegance and romance."
"And you don't know the value of strength and honor," Mordred retorted.
They continued to argue until they approached one of the shops, from which music could be heard. They both fell silent and listened to the song playing on the radio.
I was born in fire
I was born from lies
I was lost in life
But I found my path
"Hey, that's about me!" exclaimed Mordred, recognizing the song "Mordred's Song" by Blind Guardian. "Someone wrote a song about me!"
"Really?" fake-surprised Jeanne Alter. "And what does it say about you?"
"It tells the story of how I was born to Morgana Le Fay and King Arthur, how I fought for my right to the throne, how I faced betrayal and fate," Mordred recounted with fiery eyes.
"And how do you feel about this song?" Jeanne Alter asked.
I didn't want to be a king
I didn't want to be a hero
I wanted to be free
But I was doomed
"Well..." Mordred pondered. "On one hand, I'm glad that someone remembers my story and sings about it. On the other hand, I don't agree with everything he says. I wasn't destined. I was strong. I was worthy. I was a king."
"You were a king?" Jeanne Alter questioned. "Then where is your crown? Where are your subjects? Where is your throne?"
"That doesn't matter," Mordred brushed off. "I know I was a king. And I am still a king. The king of the night. The king of serpents. The king of battle."
"What arrogance…" Jeanne Alter muttered, rolling her eyes.
I was the son of the night
I was the son of the serpent
I was the son of lies
But I was right
"Do you hear that? He says I was right," Mordred said, smiling. "I was right in my rebellion against Arthur. I was right in my quest for freedom. I was right in my choice of life."
"Right?" Jeanne Alter questioned. "And what did you do when you were right? You killed your father. You destroyed your country. You perished in your battle. Is that what you call being right?"
"That doesn't matter," Mordred replied. "I did what I wanted to do. I lived the way I wanted to live. I died the way I wanted to die. Is that what you call life?"
I didn't want to be evil
I didn't want to be forgotten
I didn't want to be alone
But I was alone
"Well, there you have it. He says you were alone," Jeanne Alter shrugged. "And that's true. You were alone in your rebellion. You were alone in your struggle. You were alone in your death."
"No, I wasn't alone," Mordred countered. "I always had friends and allies. I always had loyal and devoted knights. I always had the love and respect of the people."
"Oh, come on…" Jeanne Alter sighed.
They both fell silent, listening to the last verse of the song.
I didn't want to be the end
I didn't want to be the beginning
I didn't want to be a legend
But I became a legend
"Well, he says you became a legend," Jeanne Alter said, extending her hand to Mordred. "And that's true. You became a legend of Mordred, son of Arthur."
"Yes, I became a legend," Mordred agreed, shaking Jeanne Alter's hand. "And I'm proud of it. And I'm grateful for it."
They looked at each other and smiled.
"You know what?" Mordred said. "You're a legend too. You're a legend of Joan of Arc, the warrior and saint. You're a legend of how you led the army of France and freed your country from English rule. You're a legend of how you were betrayed and burned at the stake."
"Yes, I'm a legend," Jeanne Alter confirmed. "But not the one you think. I'm not the Joan of Arc who was a saint and a heroine. I... am different."
"I see," Mordred said, slightly surprised. "Well, that doesn't change the fact that you're a legend. You're a different person, and you build your own destiny."
Jeanne nodded thoughtfully.
"She said the same thing."
"Who?"
"The other me."
"Then let's go and celebrate our legends," Mordred suggested. "Let's go and raise a glass to our lives and our destinies."
"Alright, let's go," Jeanne Alter agreed. "Let's go and toast to our dreams and our freedom."