Chapter 6: Before I posted this story, feel free to take a look a newly posted story on my author page called, "Harry Potter, Good Dark Wizard, Bad Dark Lord". It is a diary entry and flashbacks of Harry at Hogwarts. It tells of his descent into darkness and his relationship with Astoria. I was going to make it this chapter, but it didn't really work since the chapter just kept growing.
Year 7: Day 15 - 296 AC
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident
"Lord Stark, a word?" Harry said, towering over the seated Lord Jon Stark. They were now on Dragonstone, about to meet all the Lords of that island chain. Jon smiled at Harry, quickly excusing himself from his conversation with Harry's children.
As they walked onto the balcony, overlooking the water smashing against the rocks of Dragonstone, Jon spoke, "Thank you again, my Lord. Your support has given me something I never dreamed of."
Harry smiled lightly while leaning against the railing, "You have the drive and ability Jon, something you father failed to notice." Harry replied, looking to Jon who lowered his head at the mention of Ned Stark. Harry took a deep breath of the sea air before continuing, "But this Lordship will be the greatest challenge you have ever faced, my boy. Even harder than growing up a bastard in Winterfell."
"Surely not, my Lord? Stannis had no trouble here." Jon replied as a young man with no real experience would.
"Lord Baratheon was a martial man, a warrior. One not easily crossed. The Lords of Dragonstone were scared of being executed if they stepped out of line..." Harry paused for a moment, "These Lords will test you Jon. See what you are made of. They were loyal Targaryen men. They served them before the Doom of Valyria itself. They were reluctant Baratheon men. They will not be Stark men until you make them."
"How? How can I ensure loyalty?" Jon asked seriously.
"Well, the Rivermen and Knights of the Vale will stay for a time. That will ensure compliance in the short term. Neville and his wife Susan will also be here, teaching you the ropes of managing a castle and Kingdom. Neville will ensure compliance as well. But to keep the 'loyalty', you must show that you are here to stay. Act in the best interest of the Islands, even at the expense of others. Marry an island girl. A girl from the Celtigars or Velaryons would provide you with legitimacy and also prevent them from rising up."
Jon nodded in understanding, it was his duty.
Harry pushed off of the railing as he finished, "Come, walk with me." He cast a silent notice-me-not charm and a conversation muffling ward around them as they walked back into the banquet hall. As they passed the guards, Harry pointed at an older man with almost white hair and a younger man with platinum blonde hair next to him, "Lord Ardrian Celtigar and his son, Edwell. Tell me, Lord Stark, what is their sigil?"
Jon, who had dutifully followed his mentor, crinkled his nose in thought before responding, "Red crabs on white."
"Correct. Now, tell me something you know about Lord Celtigar himself."
"He is known to be a 'sour old man'." Jon said as he chuckled.
Harry smirked and raised his eyebrows, "Ah yes, but what of the man desire?"
Jon just looked confused as he looked at the back of the Lord's head, as if trying to read his mind. "I don't know, my Lord."
"This is your first lesson in being a Lord Paramount, Lord Stark. You must learn what the motivations of your Lords are. Lord Celtigar for example has no need for money and won't accept bribes. He is wealthy in his own right. What he wants is respect. To be treated like a valued member of your court. Lord Baratheon and the Targaryen before him treated them as underlings solely to do their bidding. Ask him his opinion and consider it, he will be impressed."
Jon looked to Harry in amazement, "How do you know this?"
"You must observe during these dinners. Your father does it, that is what makes him a good Lord of the North. Lord Celtigar picked the seat closest to Renly Baratheon and has been speaking of an idea to change a fishing law to better protect the fish from overfishing in the Blackwater." Jon just nodded, taking every bit of advice and filing it away, "Renly has been disinterested in the conversation and Celtigar has taken it personally." Harry motioned towards Celtigar muttering angrily to his son.
I see, my Lord... But, how do you deal with Lord's who fail to recognize your authority?" Jon asked as Harry began walking again. They walked through the crowd for a moment, Harry obviously thinking. In truth, Harry would just imperious the Lord and be done with it, but Jon did not have that luxury.
"Depends on who it is, both higher and lower in station to you. Lord's lower than you must be reminded that you are their Lord. Be that a strongly worded letter or a knock on the door with an army. Higher than you, well Jon, there are seldom few higher than you now." Harry nudged Jon in jest as they walked past Mace Tyrell and his table of Reachmen.
"Mace Tyrell will respect you as any other Lord Paramount, but your words would matter less in his eyes as such a young man. Your ideas are less valid." Harry shrugged, "There is nothing to do. Do not allow yourself to be bullied, but mostly pay little attention to Lords outside your realm."
"At least I don't have to deal with the Freys." Jon muttered as they completed a circle around the hall, arriving back at the balcony.
Harry smiled, "The Freys are the most annoying House in the Seven Kingdoms, but not the worst. The nice thing is they are predictable. Once you are predictable, you are no longer a threat."
Harry woke ten hours later, roughly four in the morning, to his son leaning over the bed whispering 'Dad'.
"Merlin!" Harry shouted, his heart nearly jumping out of his chest at the shadowy figure whispering to him. It took a moment for his nerves to calm before he asked his son what he wanted. James said that he had got up to get a glass of water and noticed Lord Stark sitting alone in the dark looking at the sea. He thought the man needed to talk...
Harry sighed as he threw his legs off the side of the bed, leaving a sleeping Astoria and ushering James back off to bed. He made his way to the balcony where he and Jon had spoken not long ago Harry knocked, hoping to avoid what had happened to him not long ago.
"Jon, my son said you were brooding." Harry laughed, "My words, not his. What is on your mind?"
While Harry had avoided startling the man, he still turned very quickly, "Ah, Lord Peverell... Everything is fine. Just couldn't sleep."
"I find that there is usually a reason one cannot sleep, Lord Stark." Harry replied, pulling up a chair to the railing where Jon was.
"It is nothing, just thoughts of a bastard turned Lord." Jon replied, waving his hand dismissively.
"True. No one will ever forget that about you. The Legitimized Stark bastard holding the ancient Targaryen seat." Harry's eyes flashed red for a split second before continuing more heatedly, "I was once you, Lord Stark. A lowborn holding Harrenhal, the largest castle in Westeros. It was a travesty, but I MADE THEM SEE how strong I was. I built that destroyed shit hole into one of the largest CITIES in Westeros. I took Riverrun when the Tully's showed weakness. I earned the respect given to me now, but I still am the up jumped lowborn in the Lords' eyes. They will never forget that, so don't look for their approval. A wolf doesn't care for the opinions of sheep." Harry ended encouragingly.
Jon just looked confused for a moment, before laughing, "Thanks Lord Peverell, but I'm really just worried about getting married to someone I don't know... I don't care about the bastard thing."
Harry just looked at the boy then laughed, "Well shit. I guess you didn't need my self-esteem boost. I would say that's really an Astoria conversation. I'm not the best with that stuff. She might have better advice than me. We married for love, ya know?" Harry chuckled as he stood.
"It's okay, my Lord. I appreciate the support nonetheless." Harry dragged his chair back to where he had found it while still chuckling.
"Okay then, I guess I'll get back to sleep. Night, Lord Stark." Harry said as he walked to the door. He opened it slowly as he thought... Harry turned back to Jon for a second, "Lord Stark, perhaps I have a solution to your marriage problem as well as your Lord Paramount support problem. What would you say about marrying a Tyrell?"
Flashback - Three Days Prior
Harry watched the large manse from his hiding place. A bush off the path with his invisibility cloak. The tan construction of the manse rose out of the sandy, desolate landscape. It didn't seem particularly busy with only a few servants milling around and the guards standing watch near the entrance. Soon, a horse with a cloaked rider left the manse, taking his time down the road towards Harry's location. It took only a few moments before the figure dismounted his horse and looked around. The man hid the horse in some brush just off the path and headed deeper into the thick desert brush. Harry waited a few moments until the man stopped walking and began looking around.
"Ser Mormont." Harry said, removing the cloak and stepping from the bushes. The older man jumped, obviously surprised at Harry's appearance.
"I still do not understand how you are able to hid so effectively, my Lord." Ser Mormont replied, looked back at the bush Harry had come from.
"A trick of the trade. But onto business, tell me: what do you know of the Targaryens you are now serving?" Harry replied.
Ser Jorah Mormont was a strong man who had fallen on hard times since he was exiled from Westeros for dealing in the slave trade. Harry had informed him that, if he proved competent and loyal, Harry would arrange for a royal pardon and a place in the Riverlands. An offer Jorah had quickly accepted.
"Viserys Targaryen is a coarse, unlikable, perhaps even mad young man. He strikes me as overly controlling of his sister and obsessed with returning to the Seven Kingdoms. He is violent and tends to lash out against anyone, not unlike the mad King near the end of the man's life." Jorah said, speaking in hushed tones with the Riverlord.
"You know what they say, 'when a Targaryen is born, the Gods flip a coin'. How dangerous is he? I mean, would he inspire a rebellion?" Harry asked, trying to get every bit of information from the disgraced knight.
"I would not think so, my Lord. Perhaps the Celtigar's, Velayron's, or any number of Dragonstone Lords might support his claim, but they would find that the man listens to none but himself and is incredibly arrogant. He believes that the Iron Throne is his right and the Seven Kingdoms would flock to his banner if he tried a rebellion."
"Some might, but the small folk care not for wars. They would sooner see him strung up in a tree than see a war devastate the land." Harry chuckled, "What of the girl?"
"Daenerys is everything her brother is not. Kind, smart, genuinely cares about the servants and guards. She would make an excellent queen as Viserys wants her to be." Jorah said proudly, it seemed to Harry that Jorah had taken a liking to this girl. However, a second later, his mood darkened slightly, "She is regretfully naive to the world. Believes that systems must change for the better. Abhors slavery and the systems in Essos. I regret to say that she is easily manipulated by those around her..."
"I see. What are their plans with the Mopatis man?" Harry asked.
"Viserys and Illyrio plan to sell her to a Dothraki horse lord, Khal Drogo for his army. They plan to cross the Narrow Sea with it a re-conquer the kingdoms in the Targaryen name." Jorah responded sadly.
"Thank you, Ser Mormont, for the information. Perhaps I have a solution to remove both Viserys from the field and ensure Daenerys is treated properly and not sold for an army." Harry nodded and shook hands with the knight while handing him a bag of gold and a small bit of parchment, "Writing on this paper and new information that you believe I need to know. No need to use a Raven, when you write it, I will see it."
Jorah looked confused at this small bit of paper in his hands, "What is this? Sorcery?"
"A relic from Valyria I discovered. I am trusting you, Set Mormont... Once your job is done, I will return with a pardon. I will always support those who have shown me loyalty."
"Thank you, my Lord. I live to serve the Realm." Jorah responded, taking the gold and paper.
"No, Ser Mormont. You serve me."
End Flashback
Flashback - Boat to Dragonstone - Two Days Prior
"That is a dangerous idea, Harry." Neville responded, looking up from his desk inside the Royal Navy transport to Dragonstone, "First, how will you convince the King that bringing the Targaryen Princess to Dragonstone is remotely a good idea? Never mind the fact that she has a direct claim to the Throne, both herself and Jon Snow really being the son of Rhaegar?"
"You have to hear me out on this. We can control the Royal Navy and Dragonstone through them. Jon as Lord Paramount is good, but if he has the legitimacy of a Targaryen as his wife?"
"Who is to say that they won't make a play at the Throne once you make yours? This needlessly complicates your plan, Harry." Susan asked, listening in, "It would be easier to just kill both Targaryens and be done with it. Let Jon support you and use his forces."
"I understand. But see it from my perspective. A Targaryen, a meek one with a strong moral values will boost Jon to have easy control over his Lords and will ensure there is no defections when the time comes." Harry replied, seeing that he was on the losing side.
Astoria sat quietly, listening to her husband and friends bicker, "Perhaps a different approach? One that could lock another powerful party into our alliance?" All three others in the room looked curiously at her due to her rare thoughts about strategy. Harry motioned for her to explain, "The Tyrells."
"What of them?" Neville asked, "We already have a plan formed with the Tarly's when the time comes."
"The Tarly's are a powerful minor house, but if we were to secure an alliance with the Tyrell's themselves? That unlocks a 100,000 plus size army to us without having to fight for it." Susan said in support, to which Astoria nodded thankfully.
"Yes, and we have an eligible bachelor before us. Mace might not like marrying Margaery to a legitimized bastard, but to a Lord Paramount? A tempting offer." Astoria continued.
"Yes, but what of the Tarly's? Their Lord is a smart general. Someone who is not easily crossed." Harry asked, obviously not keen on breaking his alliance.
"We bide our time. If the Tyrell's fail to uphold their part of this bargain, then we move forward with the Tarly's. If not, we inform Lord Tarly that we will name him to our small council as Master of War or something and he will have a son married to a Princess. Perhaps not the prize he wanted, but he should accept it." Astoria replied, having thought through this pretty well.
"That doesn't solve Jon's support problem. It might even make it worse?" Neville responded, looking at the map before him, "Dragonstone has never been close to the Reachlords."
"I mean, Mace was loyal to the crown in Robert's Rebellion." Harry pointed out.
"True, but that doesn't mean that will appreciate another foreigner ruling them." Neville replied, looking to the two women in the room for more ideas.
"Olenna Tyrell would never let her granddaughter be unsafe. I would assume Dragonstone would be garrisoned with Reachmen." Susan said, "A benefit and a curse. Jon's rule is secure, but we have to rely on Margaery to order the guards around. Perhaps eventually it would be entirely garrisoned by loyal Dragonstone men."
"Fine, you've convinced me. I'll contact Lord Tyrell." Harry said, slightly annoyed that his Targaryen idea was shot down and his time wasted in Essos.
"No, I'll talk to Olenna. She is the one who will ultimately make the decision." Astoria responded, "I'll talk to her once Jon is on Dragonstone."
End Flashback
Jon sputtered for a second at the suggestion that he marry a Tyrell. This was all happening so fast... "What? Marry a Tyrell?"
Harry nodded, smiling at the young Lord, "Margaery Tyrell, Lord Mace's only daughter. Smart girl, kind. Would inspire support from the common folk."
"Wouldn't she rather marry Prince Joffrey or something rather than me?" Jon asked, doubting himself.
"I'm sure Mace would love for his daughter to be Queen, but there are seldom other choices for her if he is unable to secure that. Your half-brother, Robb is a choice, but Ned already married a southerner and I doubt they would wish to do it twice." Harry said. It was the truth. There were few eligible bachelors in the realm that would entice Mace to wed his daughter to them. If he couldn't secure a high Lord or the Prince, he would have to look to his bannermen. Not ideal. Robb Stark, Renly Baratheon, Jon Stark... Lord Paramounts or heirs that would fit Mace's designs for his daughter. Each with their own problems. Robb Stark would probably marry a Northerner. Ned had bucked that tradition by marrying a Tully, so Ned would probably like Robb to marry an Umber or Karstark. Renly was a poof. Gay with Loras Tyrell, her brother. While it would secure an alliance with the Stormlands, it wouldn't produce any heirs, something Mace wants.
That left the legitimized bastard Jon Stark of House Stark of Dragonstone. A strong man, if inexperienced. Easily controlled, but a loyalty compulsion ensured he wouldn't betray his mentor.
"What of Renly or Lord Tyrell's bannermen? Wouldn't they be better matches?" Jon asked, his head descending to his hands.
"Renly would be a poor choice. He already seems enamored with Loras Tyrell." Harry replied while Jon looked at him in confusion before his eyes widened in understanding, "A bannerman is always possible, but an only daughter would want to be used for major alliances not banner marriages."
"I see. Is that all marriages are? Alliances and deals?" Jon morosely asked.
"Westerosi marriages between the highborns are. Standing in the realm matters. For example, I could call your father to help me since I am fostering Arya and she will marry my oldest son. You will be able to call the Tyrell's if you marry Margaery. King Robert, if he wasn't King, could call Tywin Lannister since he is married to his daughter. All marriages of support or alliance. Once you are a Lord, it is your duty. I married young, before I was Lord, so I avoided that." Harry cracked a smile.
"I wish. Life was simpler as the Stark Bastard. Now people expect me if things."
"They do and they will until your son is Lord Stark of Dragonstone. Even then you will still have to provide advice to them." Harry laughed, "The work never stops."
"Do you ever wish you could return to your childhood, Lord Peverell? No responsibilities. Parents to take care of you." Jon asked, wishing for a simpler time.
Harry looked at the young man seriously, "Actually no, Lord Stark. I don't... My life was hard before I became Lord of Harrenhal, and I have worked my entire life to ensure my children do not fall into the same fate. Perhaps my children will wish to be children again when they are adults, but not me. Goodnight, Lord Stark."
Lady Astoria Peverell - Lady of Harrenhal and the Trident
Highgarden, Reach
Lady Astoria sat quietly, watching the conversation between three young ladies and Margaery Tyrell in the courtyard below her guest room. She had arrived yesterday after a ride from Harrenhal to Highgarden. It had been a few months since Jon had been installed as Lord Paramount of Dragonstone and the hubbub had calmed down.
It seemed that no one really had any idea why she was here. She had sent a raven ahead of her arrival, informing the Tyrell's of her visit, however she had remained scant in her message. She had also arrived late last night, not allowing the Tyrells to sus out why she was there before bed.
She breathed in the crisp morning air as a small knock was heard at her door, "Mi lady? Are you awake?"
Astoria sat her tea down on the thick railing, "I am. Please enter."
The door slowly creaked open, revealing a young girl. Obviously, a maid of some sort. "Lady Tyrell invites you to breakfast in her solar."
Astoria smirked, 'Not one to beat around the bush, Olenna?' she thought, "Lady Tyrell? Lord Mace's wife?"
"My apologies, mi lady. No, Lady Olenna Tyrell, Lord Tyrell's mother. I am sure you will meet Lady Tyrell soon though." The girl offered, hoping to avoid offending Astoria. In truth, Astoria had already known. She read the girls mind the moment she entered. The girl was also there to snoop while she was with Olenna at breakfast. Funny how that works.
"Of course, I will accompany you to her then." Astoria responded, smiling at her.
It took only a moment for Astoria and the maid to make their way to an older part of the castle. It was still beautiful area, but the stone was definitely much older. As they entered the room, Astoria found that the room was really a large balcony with a top cover to prevent rain. Lady Olenna was already sitting at the table with her breakfast, eating quite slowly in Astoria's opinion.
"Ah, Lady Peverell. Please take a seat." The old woman motioned to the seat across from her, "Lilith, please bring Lady Peverell her food." A mutter yes, mi lady was heard, and Astoria found her seat at the table, "Your arrival yesterday was much later than we expected." Olenna said as a statement but was obviously meant as a question why.
"Yes, I had planned on arriving much earlier but was held up in Harrenhal. The duties of a Lady..." Astoria responded, smiling.
The old woman just looked at her with curious eyes but a stony face, "I see... Well, while we are glad to meet you and host you at our castle here, I would ask you why you have made your way to us? Normally, your husband just sends his brute squad to 'negotiate' with us. Lord Longbottom and the merry band of Rivermen?"
Astoria remained smiling as she discreetly used magic to check her food for poisons once it was delivered. She found there were none, but she wouldn't put it past Olenna to use such things. "I felt that this conversation needed a womanly touch rather than my husband's idea of coming himself."
"Well, why have you come then?" Olenna asked again, dropping all small talk.
"You are aware that my Lord husband has taken Lord Stark of Dragonstone under his wing?" Astoria asked to which Olenna nodded, "Well, Jon has never really had the parental figures in his life. Sure, he lived in Winterfell with his father and Lady Stark, but he was mostly ignored by his family. Loved by his father, but kept away from his half-siblings by Lady Stark..."
"So, Harry and I decided to help him out after meeting him in Winterfell. Took him under our wings and began to educate him for a Lordship in the Riverlands. My husband has a knack for finding compete people are raising them up. When the Lordship of Dragonstone became open, we thought who better? Now that Jon had been legitimized, we were considering matches for him. Margaery came to mind."
To her credit, Olenna didn't give anything away, "I see. So, you wish to secure a marriage for Lord Stark then?" she asked, crossing her fingers over her now mostly eaten plate, "Tell me, Lady Peverell, what do you gain from this? Surely you don't believe that I think you are doing this from the kindness of your heart. You want something beyond Margaery."
As she spoke, Astoria bored deep into the old ladies mind, seeing her thoughts and feelings. Flashes of every plot, every idea, every thought Olenna was thinking at this moment. Then, there it was. A Raven from the Master of Whispers: "The Peverell's act only in their self-interest. Lady Peverell will depart for Highgarden once she returns from Dragonstone. Be wary, Lady Tyrell."
Lord Varys... Astoria thought as she crinkled her nose as another piece on the board of the Game of Thrones moved and became much more dangerous. Little Rat...
"There are always conditions, Lady Tyrell. Lord Stark is a good friend, and my husband is a fine mentor to him. We have taught Lord Stark the values of patience and loyalty, so thus we ask for the same for him." Astoria responded cryptically.
Olenna narrowed her eyes at the young lady before her then smirked, "You have much to learn, Lady Peverell. I do not manipulate easily like my oaf of a son. You are saying you expect our loyalty to YOU through Lord Stark? Why would we provide that? What benefit do we get from that? And most concerningly, why do you want it?"
Astoria was slightly surprised with what Lady Tyrell responded with, in truth she has thought Olenna would be more concerned with the legitimized bastard part. But with Varys' note, the old bag was on alert. Before Astoria could retort however, their conversation was cut off but a high pitched scream followed by a yelled, "Unhand me you muggle brute! I'll cut you limb from limb!"
Both women looked at the little courtyard below at what was happening. It was obvious enough that some woman was being transported to the prison cells, but the use of the word muggle peaked Astoria's interest... As she and Olenna peaked over the railing, Astoria locked eyes with a near carbon copy of her sister at 22. "Daphne?" Astoria whispered.
"Know her?" Olenna asked.
"My sister... I haven't seen her in years. She... ran away when I was young." Astoria retorted, providing a shitty answer.
"There were reports of a 'witch' with golden hair cursing people north of here. Perhaps mistaken identity?" Olenna asked while facing away from Astoria, still looking into the courtyard.
"Probably not, witches are common in my family." Astoria chuckled, revealing her wand from her sleeve and casting a quick Imperius curse on the aging woman. "You will approach Lord Tyrell about marrying Margaery to Jon Stark. You will defend Jon and insist on the union. From then on, you will remain a loyal servant of House Peverell in the Reach." Astoria intoned, shaping Olenna thoughts and future actions with the curse. additionally, she handed a small piece of parchment to her, "This parchment will provide additional instructions from House Peverell in the future. Guard it well. You will now take me to my sister and release her into my custody."
Olenna just nodded and stood, shuffling towards the dungeons.
It was a few moments before Astoria found herself standing outside the cell that now contained her "sister". She was shocked that any more wizarding people had arrived, especially after 6 years. Why? Why now? Why at all?
Astoria was still thinking when the Reach guard opened the door, walked in, and uncuffed the blonde woman, saying, "You have some important friends..."
When Daphne exited the cells, her eyes went wide, staring at her sister, "ASTORIA!" She yelled happily, jumping for her dead-now alive sister. Astoria, to her credit, returned the hug if not a bit apprehensively, "You died."
"Well, the rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated." Astoria said, cocking a smile, "Come, tell me why you have been imprisoned." She gestured for her sister to follow her and they made their way back into the castle proper.
Apparently, long story short, she was stealing food and it wasn't small amounts. Like hitting trade caravans with magic. Thus, Highgarden assembled a party to track her down just South of where Riverlander patrols operate. She had limited her attacks to the Reach since she had realized that if she attacked the Reach and entered the Riverlands to hide, the soldiers would stop. Jurisdiction apparently. However, she had unluckily hit a decoy and had become overwhelmed...
Astoria also explained in turn what had happened after they died and that they were in fact the Lords of the Riverlands. Daphne wasn't that surprised. Harry always had ambition. It took several hours of friendly conversation until the real question was asked by Astoria, "Why did you need so much food?"
"I was thrown through the veil of Death two months after you and Harry were killed with two others. We were all members of Greater Wizarding Britain and wore the mark. So, when we were throw through, as the light got closer, we felt something pull on our navel and ended up a pretty far from here in some forest. There was a veil like the one in Britain and we all three stumbled out of it..." Daphne began as they sat in Astoria's temporary room. Astoria had cast a silencing ward on the room once they had entered it in order to ensure their privacy from the little birds...
"Over the last three weeks, over sixty people have come out of the Veil. Men, women, and children. The parents all were followers of Harry, so Britain seems to be disposing of us..." Daphne continued sadly, "That's why I had to steal food..."
Astoria was visibly shocked. Over sixty Wizarding people in Westeros? That was... fantastic! All supporters as well. Loyal. "You must take me there." Astoria responded, "Do they have enough food for a couple days?" Daphne nodded in affirmation, "Good. I'll finish my business here and we will go."
Four days later...
Lady Astoria Peverell, Lady of Harrenhal and the Trident
I spent the last few days snoozing the Tyrell's, encouraging the marriage between Jon Stark and Margaery as well as ensuring their compliance in the long term. It really hadn't been that hard. Mace Tyrell was eager to please and securing his loyalty only needed a few honeyed words and lowering the tariffs on the Gold Road for Reachmen. His mother really helped as well, being under my Imperius.
We departed Highgarden twenty six hours ago, bringing a wagon of food with us for the small encampment of wizards and witches. Additionally, I sent a Patronus message to Harry informing him of the development. Harry had responded that he would meet us there with wagons and horses to take the Wizarding people to Harrenhal.
To be honest, I am surprised how far the camp was from Highgarden. The Tyrell's must have been very curious who this 'witch' was to send out a party themselves rather than have a bannerman do it. There were several closer towns that could have done it, but they wanted the glory? I fail to see the logic, however, to each their own.
I have missed my sister and it was nice to be able to catch up with her, even though it had only been two months for her while it has been around seven years for me. Curious that. She said that after our deaths, the Wizarding Britain government had begun rounding up our supporters and their families. At first, they just sent them to camps. Then, it graduated to just tossing them through the Veil. Daphne had been the first, but she wasn't the last. It was a few at a time. A family here, wait about 24hrs, then another one. Truly horrific. Especially for the children.
I won't say I haven't done horrific things in my life, but the children? They were truly innocent. According to Daphne though, the government said the children were 'tainted'. Thus, they had to go too. The Veil was just the easiest way to do it. There was no blood, no killing curse... Just industrial murder. I am ashamed that Harry and I didn't stay to prevent that from occurring.
Two Days Later...
Lady Astoria Peverell, Lady of Harrenhal and the Trident
Daphne had told me much about the families that were there when she left but I was not prepared for what we found when we finally reached the camp.
The faces of some of the people were gaunt and shadowed, obviously having been imprisoned for some time while others seemed healthy. However, even in all the despair, when I arrived, their spirits seemed lifted. The children mobbed us, thanking me for coming to rescue them. The parents were equally excited to see me, asking about where we were and if Harry was here...
Speaking of Harry, he and Neville had delayed their arrival so that Daphne and I would be able to explain what was happening. We didn't want to risk anything... They arrived with food and fresh water about twelve hours after us with an army of wagons.
There were at least a hundred people in the encampment now excluding the Riverlands forces once my husband arrived. We took our time ensuring that everyone was fed and ready for the journey before we set off. In the meantime, Harry had the 'Veil' of Death removed from the ground and placed in an upright position on the wagon. It took a team of fifty men to excavate the veil and ensure that it couple still allow for people to exit if they were cast through it.
That turned out to be an excellent idea as a family was deposited into the back of the wagon as we rode to Harrenhal. Worked out...
Year 7: Day 100 - 296 AC
Lord Harry Potter, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident
Harry stood silently on a makeshift platform a few miles outside Harrenhal. He had sent his Riverlander forces to secure a perimeter while he addressed the 'refugees' as they were calling them. The faces of his followers and their families looked to him as a savior. Some of their lives had been awful after he left while others were just caught up in the mayhem.
"My friends... Comrades and those who supported me in Britain... I wish to say that I am sorry... I am sorry for leaving you in Britain to the fate of death it seems. I was a young boy. Not ready for the responsibility... I apologize." Harry began, watching those assembled carefully. Most seemed to be nodding, accepting his apology, "I know you have suffered. Much more than I can imagine, but luckily, we are here together again." he smiled sadly.
"The world you have entered is much different from the world you left. This land is called Westeros and is stuck in the medieval times with a King and Lords ruling over it. We find ourselves in the Petty Kingdom of the Riverlands, ruled by House Peverell." As Harry spoke, the crowd looked shocked and began whispering among themselves, "That city in the distance behind me is the seat of House Peverell and is our destination. Now, before you get concerned, House Peverell is my House and I am Lord of the Riverlands." The whispers grew louder, and Harry even heard a man shout, 'Good on ya Mate!' Must have been one of his Aussie followers.
Harry smiled a huge grin as he waved his hands for the crowd to quiet, "Please, my friends, we will have time to discuss everything soon enough. Once we arrive at Harrenhal, we will set you up in several of the Inns in the city as temporary housing. I have already been discussing permanent housing with Astoria and Neville, so that will be forthcoming..." Harry sighed as he paused, "My friends, I will not lie to you. This land is not as easy as home. You must work to provide for yourselves. I will ensure you all have a good start, each with a home and job, but you all will need to work together for us to succeed. To create a new Wizarding society. One where we decide the rules... Years ago I pledged that I would fight for you. I failed then, but this time, I will not fail and you will all reap the rewards." Harry finished his short speech and jumped down onto the ground, quickly mobbed by his supporters. He just kept smiling, shaking hands with all that asked...
Astoria sat atop her horse not far away with Neville and Susan both watching from horseback as well.
"What will we do with them?" Susan asked, motioning to the crowd, "We never expected more magicals to arrive."
"I thought the Isle of Faces might be a good option. Protected by a Lake. Easily controlled. However, it would be difficult to supply if the Isle was less than fertile." Neville responded, looking to the lake and the misty island it held.
"Perhaps we raise a small town not far from Harrenhal? Protect it with Wards and other charms to prevent the muggles from noticing it. Make it large enough for them to farm and raise animals? Maybe create a version of Hogwarts for schooling?" Astoria said with shining eyes. She had wished for magical friends for her kids beyond the Longbottoms. Maybe she could teach?
"That's practical. Better than just creating a sort of Diagon Alley in the middle of Harrenhal." Susan chuckled, "Harry had suggested that. I shot it down fairly quickly."
"We will need to get to work on it fairly quickly then. Houses will need to be built and the foundations for Hogwarts laid down." Neville said, winking at Astoria, "Shops, markets... I mean, the rate of the family's coming through the veil has not slowed down and the new families are saying there are hundreds more coming."
As he spoke, Harry arrived hopping on his horse, "Good, good. Let us begin then."