Reviews:
Winterfell: Yes, it was a lengthy return, but I am back at it! I hope you enjoy the following chapters. I really enjoy writing Reiner and his POV as he is one of my favorites, same with Jean and all of his interactions with Harry. And the rest of the Alliance is desperate to know all that's been going on with Harry.
VIBING RED: Glad to be back, too! I definitely wanted Harry's Titan to feel and look very alien as a reflection of how he has always felt like an outsider at the Dursely's and at Hogwarts to an extent. Eren's POV and his perspective on the prophecy will be a major point later on, especially his stance on it with his ideology and own power of foresight.
CrowdnonPleaser: Harry will have plenty more interactions with the rest of the AOT cast coming up. As for the name, it is meant to be a combination of Frieda and Zeke, two people who were forced into certain roles, but now with one that can be unburdened from that.
LordAnimeMangaGame: Thanks! Good to hear you've been enjoying so far. I can say that I intended to give Harry a bit of early Eren's personality, such as not being a pushover when it comes to bullies, and not exactly having the best tact at times, but he'll grow and mature as it goes on.
robert32514: Thanks! I hope you continue to enjoy!
Minchy: Glad to hear you're enjoying! I can promise that that more will be shown regarding the story of why the Potters did what they did and Dumbledore's involvement with everything, and not something that will be strickly black and white.
BitchassFire: Yeah, Harry definitely didn't get his patience from his father's side of things. It'll sure come as a shock to many people that someone like Harry could be related to the most infamous person in the world. As for Harry's Titan design, it is meant to look alien based on Harry has always felt out of place at the Dursely's and even Hogwarts to some extent after he learned the truth.
Guest: Yeah, it doesn't follow all of the established canon, but that is the liberty of it just being fanfiction.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by J. K. Rowling and Attack on Titan/Shingeki no Kyojin is owned by Hajime Isayama. I own nothing.
Chapter 20: Titan Alliance
"Can we come in, Eren?" the blonde man, Harry recognized as Armin spoke after a bout of stunted silence. He hadn't seemed to have changed much in appearance from what Harry had seen in memories. He still had a youthful demeanor about him, and his hair had grown out a bit, but his eyes seemed far more tired than they ought to be.
Standing before Eren, Armin was clearly shorter, but he stood his ground with dignity and composure. The four people behind him seemed more... tense. Harry recognized one as Connie who was looking between Armin and Eren with a suspicious glance. The small blonde woman, Annie, stood close to Armin, her face impassive, but her body looked tense, ready to spring into action, if need be. The other woman, Pieck, kept her distance, and then the other blonde man in their group, Reiner.
He had eyed Eren initially, but his golden gaze shifted further into the cabin, softening as they landed on Historia, and then, on Harry himself. A thousand emotions and one seemed to flicker across the man's gaze as he stared Harry. He almost seemed...
"It must've been quite the trip for you," Eren addressed Armin. "You usually send word before you visit, and you never come out here."
"We made good time," Armin cordially replied. "And given certain... world news... myself and the rest of the council felt it would be best to arrive early to assess the situation."
"The situation?" Eren repeated. "We don't have a 'situation' here. Not unless you decided to bring one with you."
Armin frowned. "Don't pret-,"
"Enough, you two!" Jean moved to stand between the two men, acting as if they might come to blows.
"Yes, that's enough," Historia ordered. "What's the meaning of this, Armin?"
Armin diverted his attention away from Eren. "My apologies. Queen Historia, but I think we all know what would've brought us all out here so suddenly."
"Yes, I know. But I also know that this is all more than a bit impractical. We could've been back to receive you in Mitras if you had waited."
"I'm afraid this couldn't wait," Armin informed. "Can we come inside? It was a long journey."
Another period of tense silence followed. "Captain Dreyse, please wait outside," Historia told the MP.
With the queen's permission, the capacity inside the cabin increased by five.
"Thank you," Armin gave a small bow of his head.
"I trust that this will be quick," Historia didn't phrase it as a question. "It's been a rather long day for us here, as well."
"I imagine so," Armin replied. He looked over to Jean and offered up his hand. Jean took it. "Good to see you, Jean."
"Same here," Jean gave a small pat on his back, eying Eren afterward. Armin turned away from the tallest among them and then towards Mikasa. It was there Harry saw the first genuine signs of relief on Armin's face. His eyes seemed brighter and far more innocent.
"Hello, Mikasa."
"Armin."
They shared a hug.
Seeing some of the hostility dissipate, more introductions were exchanged. Jean and Connie clasped hands and shared a smile, Mikasa and Historia greeted Annie and Pieck, but none of them bothered with Eren. Nobody, except for one.
"Eren," Reiner greeted.
"Hello, Reiner," Eren greeted in return.
They didn't shake hands, only exchanging a look, but it seemed to speak more than any words possibly could.
Harry felt Ymit stiffle near him. He saw Armin looking over in their direction. "Hello, Mr. Arlert," Ymir gave a small wave.
"Hello, Ymir," Armin greeted, giving a small smile. "You've gotten a little taller since I last saw you." His blue eyes shifted over to Harry. The smile he wore began to fade the longer that he stared. "Prince Ziegfried, I presume."
All eyes were on them now.
"Uh, yeah, that's me," he said, not really knowing what to say. "I didn't even really know that was my name until a few days ago. I've gone by Harry until then."
"Harry?" Armin observed him. "How'd that name come about?"
"Sorry?" Harry asked, confused by Armin's question.
"Where do any names come from?" Eren asked before Armin could respond. "Obviously, it was given."
Armin frowned at Eren's answer. "And from where did he come by that name?"
"Not from anyone here," Eren answered.
"From the ones who abducted him, then," Reiner drew the attention over to himself. Reiner locked his gaze with Harry's. "How are you?"
"How am I?" Harry asked in response. "I... yeah, I'm doing fine." There seemed to be an unspoken relief over the new arrivals hearing him say so. "Uh, thank you for asking?" he followed with.
"Ah, I see," Reiner said.
"Yes, that is good to know," Armin added, still sounding a bit tense. "The world leaders will be relieved to hear that. I don't suppose you remember who exactly it was that was behind your absence?"
"Well-,"
"You can ask me," Eren interjected. "I'm sure he wouldn't want to get interrogated by a group of strangers."
Armin locked eyes with Eren. "I'd rather hear it for myself."
"You can hear it from me," Eren countered. "I seem to remember you always wanting to talk things out with me before."
Harry could see those words had a verbal smack to them. Armin's brow furrowed and his nose scrunched. "I seem to remember you being far beyond anything I had to say."
"Armin," Mikasa moved to the two men. "Will you hear it from me?"
Armin's eyes moved to Mikasa and then over to Harry. "He told you?"
"Yes."
"And you believed it's all true?" Armin then asked. Harry felt a bristle at the question.
"I'm not a liar," Harry spoke up. The attention shifted onto him.
"It's true, Armin," Mikasa said, again. "If you'll listen."
"I... I trust you, Mikasa," Armin finally said.
"Good," Eren spoke again. "Ymir, I'm sure you and your brother would rather do anything in place of an interrogation."
"Yes," Historia agreed. "It's been a long day. Why don't you two go upstairs and get ready for bed." They both knew she wasn't exactly asking when she suggested that.
"Uh, yeah, sure," Ymir agreed. "C'mon, Harry. We're upstairs."
He followed her out of the living area and to the stairs leading to the upper floor. Ymir shut the door behind them. They stood on the first step together.
"I hope you know I plan on listening to what they're saying," Harry told her, his voice a whisper.
"Good, so am I," she whispered back. They shared a silent laugh as they pressed their ears against the door.
"-years of absence," they heard Armin's voice. "You can see why this is such a pressing issue."
"Armin," it was Mikasa speaking now. "I've been looking for him since he first went missing. This wasn't the work of any vengeful nation or group of traffickers."
"Then who? And why?" Armin pressed.
"It was the work of a different party," Mikasa went on. "Somebody with no ties to anyone here. He was taken by someone from another world."
"Another... what?" Armin sounded dumbstruck. "Mikasa, what do you mean?"
"The reason why no trace of him ever turned up here, or anywhere. It was how he simply vanished in the middle of the night without anyone noticing. He was taken by someone from another world."
"Like the Paths dimension?" it was another female voice. It had to belong to Pieck.
"No," Mikasa said. "From how he described it, it was another world filled with different humans. The ones that took him were part of a secret society."
"Like the wall cultists that used to exist?" Armin asked.
"More like a world of wizards."
"You mean... magic?"
"Believe me, I know how it sounds," Jean said. "I already rocked Yeager's jaw when he first mentioned it."
"W-why would someone from another world take an interest in someone like him?" Armin further questioned.
"You seem to be taking that information awfully well," Historia mentioned.
"We've all seen the Paths," the other woman, Annie, said. "Not to mention the whole history of the Titans. Call it evolution, or supernatural, it still defied logic."
"Do you plan on telling that to the rest of your council?" Eren then asked. "I doubt they'll accept it as an explanation."
"If you asking if I'm going to lie-," Armin began.
"I'm implying that you'd be called a liar for speaking the truth," Eren interjected. "But the fact remains, he was able to get back here on his own. That's the only bit of truth that needs knowing."
"He managed to return himself?" Armin sounded skeptical, almost like he was leading to something. "Do you mean to say that he... can do magic? He could... do a spell to prove it?"
"He isn't a trained circus animal ready to perform," Historia defended.
"I'm sure Armin didn't mean it that way," Reiner's voice cut in. "After all, what other way of getting back is there?"
"Unless there was another way," Armin said. There was a pause. They heard the sound of feet shuffling.
"Why don't you just ask it already, Armin?" Eren asked. "I know you've been wanting to."
There was another pause, this one longer. "I had a dream, Eren," Armin began. "All of us had the same dream. Annie, Pieck, Reiner, Zeke, myself, and I'd wager Falco did, too. It was almost seeing a dream within a dream itself. And at the center of it all, a boy none of us had ever seen before, except for maybe once. Ziegfried. Harry. We all saw him."
From their side of the door, he and Ymir shared a look. The first time he had become a Titan to return and been exposed to the Paths. It had to be. Armin continued speaking.
"And we had all felt that feeling before, of looking in from the outside. It was the same sensation as becoming a Titan Shifter for the first time. The same feeling as being pulled into Paths."
"I know that feeling, you don't need to describe it to me," Eren told him.
"Maybe not," Armin said as he continued. "After all, the Titan power has left this world, the last remnants of the Coordinate left within you. That's what you said after the war. That's what the rest of the world believes, especially if you decide to pick up where you left off. But... how can that be? How can you hold sole power over the Coordinate if the Titan power really has gone from the world? I never said anything about it until now, because I really hoped that I was wrong. Eren... you know exactly what I'm talking about, don't you?"
The silence was back, and it was palpable enough to be felt through the door, and probably even in Paths.
"You know what, Armin," Eren began, "I like this version of you."
"Pardon?" Armin asked.
"This directness of yours," Eren clarified. "There's no dancing around trying to hash anything out; you're right to the point. But it's late. If you want to talk more tomorrow, I'll entertain you, but not now."
"That seems... agreeable," Armin reasoned.
"I take it we're spending the night?" Annie surmised. "Should we make ourselves comfortable in the stable?"
"The couch and chairs should be sufficient enough for one night," Historia replied. "And there's supplies to pitch a tent outside. I realize it sounds impromptu, but this whole meeting was rather unexpected."
"Sorry about all that, Historia," Reiner apologized. "I'll set up a tent."
"I'll help you set something down here, Armin," they heard Mikasa offer.
Footsteps were walking their way towards the door. "I hope you two aren't leaning against this right now," Eren's voice called from the other side. "I'd be embarrassing if you fell out."
Harry didn't know if he or Ymir gave the nod, but they did, and they hurriedly scampered up the stairs as quietly as they could before Eren could open the door. Rounding the corner on the second floor, they beelined for their shared room, shutting the door behind them as they crossed through.
"Think he's mad?" Harry asked after sharing a silent laugh of relief.
"No chance," Ymir answered, a small smile on her face. "He used to do the same thing when he was a kid."
"Like when he was in the military?"
"More during training," Ymir clarified. "And even before that. He told me he used to sneak around his house as a kid, overhear some of the medical stuff his dad worked on. His mother would usually catch him, though."
"What was she like?" Harry asked.
"Eh? You mean Grandma Carla?"
"Yeah."
"Well... she was... she was kind," Ymir settled on. "Probably strict at times, but it was only because she cared too much."
"Probably?" Harry recalled. "Are you unsure, or something?"
"No," she denied. "I just... never really asked him or Mikasa too much. It's always been... I just never really know how to bring it up sometimes. So when he does talk about her, I just have to infer a lot of the time."
"He didn't seem to care too much about sensitive topics when he was talking downstairs," Harry pointed out. "It's no secret now where I've been these last eleven years, and he all but confirmed that there's still some Titan power left."
"Believe me, there's a lot of sensitive topics around him," Ymir's jovial tone dipped. Harry stared pointedly, almost egging her to finish that thought. "But, it's not really for me to say. He can tell you more about that when he feels that it's right."
"Uh-huh," Harry nodded. "So, can I expect to be questioned again tomorrow? Armin didn't seem too happy about any of what I had to say."
"Yeah, no kidding," Ymir agreed. "I thought that he'd be a lot happier to see you back."
Harry cast a look out of their window to the inky blackness of the befallen night. "Maybe he doesn't like me," Harry confessed.
"What?" Ymir asked, in disbelief. "Why would you say that?"
"I guess... just... I kinda felt that he looked at me the same way that Snape used to look at me at Hogwarts."
"Really? You're comparing Armin to that greasy bat?" Ymir couldn't stop a sly smile from crossing her face. "From what I saw, that guy hated everyone. Armin's far from being like that."
"Snape did hate everyone, but he seemed to hate me more than the others," Harry elaborated. "It was like he hated me for things that I didn't even do. Just the way that he looked at me... I don't know. That's just what it reminded me of."
Ymir said nothing about that. She kicked one of her feet across the wooden floor as she directed her attention out the window as well. A small light could be seen among the looming darkness. A tall figure was working by the light of a lantern as they set up a campsite.
"That's Reiner," Harry recalled.
"Yup," Ymir nodded.
"He was staring at me a lot, too."
"Did that remind you of all the other kids at Hogwarts?" Ymir then asked.
"No," Harry answered easily. "This was different. He almost looked like... like he was scared. Or relieved. One of the two."
"Maybe," Ymir said.
"Didn't you say before that he and Eren were rivals?" Harry recalled. "If anything, I thought he would've been acting like Snape."
Ymir pondered that. "I did say that. But I also said that they have an understanding of one another. Who's to say what's going through his head? Besides," Ymir's grin turned a bit mischievous, "he's had a thing for Mom for years."
"What?" Harry didn't know if that was supposed to be funny or not.
"Ever since they were all in training together," Ymir said, her expression between a smile and a straight face. "He used to call her 'Goddess.'"
"That's weird," Harry said.
"No kidding," Ymir agreed. They shared a small laugh at that. "I was thinking, do you want to test your Titan out more tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow? When there's going to be a bunch of people around to see?"
"Eren already said he's going to be keeping them busy tomorrow," she reminded. "There's not much else they can get from you that they can't get from someone else at this point."
"Except for everything about Hogwarts," Harry casually reminded.
Ymir rolled her eyes. "You know what I meant. Besides, do you really want to just be standing around as everyone talks about you?"
Harry saw where she was going with this. She wasn't exactly wrong. "Point taken, I guess." He saw her wear a satisfied look. They got ready for bed soon after and as Harry lay awake in his last moments before drifting off to sleep, Harry focused on the light from outside dancing along the ceiling. It was growing dimmer, and the occupant outside was no doubt asleep. As Harry's eyes fluttered close, he could almost see glimpses of a titanic shape, one covered in heavy plates. A warrior.
When morning came, Eren was not there to greet them. Armin couldn't say that he was too surprised. Every time he thought he could expect Eren to be open or truthful, he was met with a sad reality. He did not understand Eren. He could understand some of his actions and choices but as a person, he couldn't help but feel he was looking through a lens to the past. What had changed? Or, had it always been that way?
Armin took a sip of his morning tea. It was good, but not something Captain Levi would care for. Before their voyage, Armin had considered writing to the former soldier but decided against it. Levi's injuries had healed over the years, but Armin had not wanted to bother him in his retirement. However, Armin couldn't help his curious side of thinking of what Captain Levi would have to say about this new development, especially about a supposed new world and it being inhabited by a society of wizards. He imagined the captain would probably say something along the lines of, "Oi, what do a bunch of shitty street magicians want with some brat?"
Armin wouldn't have even believed it had it not come from Mikasa, and even now he was still doubting if it was completely accurate. But unlike with Eren, Armin understood Mikasa fully. It was not in his closest friend's ability to lie to those she held dear.
"Good morning, Armin." He turned to see it was Mikasa.
"Hello, Mikasa," he greeted back.
"Did you sleep okay on the couch?" she asked.
"I let Annie take the couch," Armin informed. "I took one of the chairs." And his back would let him remember it. "Pieck went to go wake up Reiner and Connie. Is Eren up yet?"
"He was up earlier. We ran into each other as he was going out." At her words, Armin felt a pang of suspicion.
"He left?"
"For a walk," Mikasa added, rather quickly. "He said he'd be back after breakfast."
"Hmm." Armin took another sip of his tea. He was aware that Mikasa was giving him a look. He recognized it from many times in the past, except it had usually never been directed towards him.
"It's the truth, Armin," Mikasa stressed. "Even about where my godchild has been."
Armin took a slow breath. "I'm not calling you a liar, Mikasa. The idea of another world, it isn't too hard to believe. If something like the Paths can exist, why not something more? But why would the people there take him to begin with?"
"The family that did so believed that they were saving him," Mikasa explained.
"I wonder what gave them that idea," Armin said, already having something in mind. "But why only take him? Why not Ymir as well?"
"I can't say for sure," Mikasa sighed. "Those People, the Potters, they're dead now, and the rest of them are a whole world away."
"And does that matter to someone with magic?" Armin looked over his shoulder to see that Annie stood in the threshold of the kitchen. She let her blonde hair fall loosely this morning.
"Annie," he greeted. "Did you-?"
"Can I talk for you a minute, Armin?" Annie then asked. She glanced at Mikasa. "Outside?"
"Sure," he agreed and followed her out the front door. He noticed Connie was up near the stables and was chatting with Jean. Pieck stood nearby, keeping productive and feeding some of the horses. Reiner was bust disassembling the campsite. Armin didn't see the wagon they had come with the few MP's.
"What happened to Hitch and others?" Armin asked.
"They were dismissed for the day," Annie informed. "I'm sure she'll appreciate that. Eren told them to come back for us later in the day."
"You spoke with him?" Armin then asked.
"Overheard," Annie corrected. He nodded.
"So, what is it you wanted to talk with me about?"
Annie eyed the others on what they were doing before she continued. "It was late last night, and I didn't want to be overheard. But I have to ask you, Ziegfried, or Harry, or whatever it is he wants to call himself, do you have a problem with him?"
"A problem?" Armin parrotted. "I - no, why would you ask that?"
Annie's eyes remained entirely impassive at his answer. "Hard to say, really. Maybe it was blatant skepticism, the dismissal, your unusual lack of tack. Just stuff like that. Even Reiner of all people had the decency to ask the kid if he was doing alright."
"I... I admit, I could've handled things much better," Armin confessed. "It wasn't the best introduction to be had, but that doesn't mean I have a problem with anyone."
Annie still didn't seem satisfied. "Anyone?"
Armin sighed, rubbing his head. "You know what I meant by that."
"Is that what it was about?" Annie then asked him. "Eren?"
"I..." Armin paused. He knew what Annie was doing, he knew where this conversation was heading. "I guess you could say that. But it isn't just something as simple as that."
"When is it ever?" Annie asked, almost sounding rhetorical.
"Right," Armin couldn't help but agree. "What I mean is... I felt I was looking back in time when I saw him." Annie said nothing, but her eyes did relax around the corners. "Seeing a picture in the paper, or even having a vision of sorts, it wasn't the same as seeing him in person. And when I saw him standing there behind Eren, I couldn't help but be reminded of how much he looked like Eren at that age.
"And I thought of all the times we had spent together. Ever since I told Eren about the outside world, I thought that we had the same dream. But I wanted confirmation, to be validated knowing something as grand as the sea could exist. That... that wasn't enough for Eren. It was there that I stopped being able to understand him. If I had been able to, if I hadn't assumed that our dreams were the same, maybe things could've been different between us. And... that's what seeing Ziegfried reminded me of. Those mistakes, not being able to understand them... having them repeat all over again."
Annie took time to calculate her response. "Eren would've done it either way. Even if you had realized it sooner, we all know how he is when it comes to achieving a goal. Hell, with how patient you were with Eren, I'd say you even did more than most would've."
She made it sound simple. Annie had never been one to mince her words; she spoke what she felt when she felt like it. Armin had always admired that, and he knew that wasn't due to any influence from Bertoldht. Maybe that's why it had been hard to discern why he acted certain ways after he had inherited the Colossal Titan; he and Bertoldht were too much alike in certain aspects. And if both of their feelings had been aligned in one area, was it any wonder as to why he behaved towards someone?
"Thank you," Armin said, feeling genuine about it. "That's a comforting thought, but we're all beyond the hypothetical now. What matters now is how we move forward to-," thum.
A heartbeat. That's what it felt like. Something lurking inside of him that had been waiting to be given physical form. Thum. There it was again. Once was not enough. The heart could not be contained forever. Thum. Again, it was heavier this time, and closer. Thum. He could feel it in the ground, one look around and Armin knew that they all could.
This beat, this rumble, it was all too familiar. Years might have passed, but the memories from Shighanshina, to Trost, all the way to Fort Salta played steadfast in Armin's head. Even before the source of it stepped into view, Armin knew that his obvious, and worst suspicions had been confirmed.
It came from around the cabin. The front of its fearsome elfish face leering out from between the trees, and the luminous green eyes truly seemed fitting for boring down on the lot of them. From the stables, the horses neighed and would have galloped off had their reigns not been tied. No ties kept Armin and the others chained, but the shock and fear had gripped their hearts as they stared at what many called The Devil of All Lands. The Attack Titan. Eren Yeager.
Without tearing his gaze away from the Attack Titan, Armin felt Annie tense beside him. Her pose was half ready to flee, and the other half a semi-fighting stance. She hadn't worn her concealed ring in years, there had never been a need, but Armin didn't doubt that she had other ways of triggering something to happen. Pieck seemed much the same as her fellow ex-warrior, but Reiner, he seemed the more frozen out of all of them. Was he considering the same? Or... was he wondering if it would even be possible to transform?
There was another thud, this time in the form of Connie dropping the tent supplies he had been helping with. "Y-you have to be shitting me right now." His voice was low, but they all heard it.
Jean made a sharp hissing noise next to him. "Damn it, Eren," he cursed to no one in particular. "You reckless idiot."
Closer to the Attack Titan, the door of the cabin swung open and Mikasa and Historia arrived, both looking up at the enormity. Armin couldn't discern their faces, but he was willing to believe that they wouldn't be too surprised.
But how? The immediate thought raced through Armin's mind. They hadn't seen any golden lightning strike down which meant that Eren had not done this recently, or even nearby. No. This was not a one-time or brief occurrence; he had transformed and walked the rest of the way here. No wonder he had sent the MPs away. Now, it was just them and him.
Fhssss! A burst of steam came from the back of the Attack Titan's neck. Its head slumped and bent forward in a mock bow, its lively green eyes teeming with faint traces of cognitive perception. And partially rising from the nape of the neck was Eren himself. His hair had come loose and Armin could discern the marks left around his eyes and face from being inside the Titan.
"Eren, what's this about?" Mikasa was the first to speak. She sounded surprised, to an extent, like she knew he was planning on doing something along these lines.
Eren's normal eyes sought her out before focusing on Armin. "I just figured this would make things easier. Afterall, this is what you were getting at last night, wasn't it, Armin?"
He could feel a twisting feeling in his gut, a trembling in his arms as he yelled out, "So this is it, huh, Eren?! After all this time has passed, you pick now to come out and reveal the truth?! Why?!"
"You say that as if I lied," Eren sounded nonchalant.
"You certainly weren't entirely truthful. That's no better than telling a lie." Armin stared as defiantly as he could up at Eren. He knew Eren could squash him, or worse, but Armin had to say it. He had to let it be known.
Eren seemed entirely impassive from his position atop his Titan. "I think you and I know what would happen if I had been."
So that was his explanation? That was how he chose to rationalize keeping this a secret? "You'd certainly know all about being absolute," Armin grit out. "What changed to make you believe otherwise right now?"
Even from 15 meters above, Armin could hear Eren's voice as if it were right beside him. "The future."
"Future?" Armin repeated, more for himself than anything. "Do you mean-?"
"The power of the Attack Titan," Eren concluded. "The ability to see memories from the future. For the longest time, I had one future in mind, one goal, one way it could happen. And I was right; until I wasn't."
"W-what are you talking about, Eren?!" Armin called up to him. "If you're talking about the Rumbling then-,"
"Of course I am," Eren's tone gained a higher octave. "The goal was there, the path was set, all I had to do was walk it. I knew it would succeed from the visions I saw, but everything changed when they were born." It still didn't make sense to Armin, but by the tone Eren had taken, Armin dared not interrupt, none of them did. For like Armin, they were just as eager, and terrified to hear what Eren had to say.
"I was focused on securing the future, but until that moment, I had neglected the other possible futures," Eren lamented. "The future was never set, not until choices and actions were made, so I saw many outcomes. I saw one where you all perished during the last battle, I saw one where I had willingly lost the fight, I saw one where no one outside of this island lived to spread violence to those living here. And then there were those two. A future without them, or one with them. My choice was clear since then. A willing stop to the Rumbling to preserve their future."
"How?" Armin then asked.
"Ymir Fritz," Eren said, confirming Armin's suspicions. "She came to me in the Paths as you all fought. There was a way to save them at the cost of the Rumbling. Her soul and power would reincarnate to give them the life they would need. And from there, a new future was created, the one we are living now."
Armin felt his throat go dry. It made sense, that was concerning. Evidently, he was not the only one to come to the same conclusion.
"Reincarnate?" It was Reiner. "You're saying... those two have the soul of the Founder Ymir. Then... does that mean that... the dream we had... that Titan, it was him."
Eren directed his attention over to where Reiner stood, seemingly petrified by the implication. "Yes."
"B-but, that giant parasite, we killed it," Reiner insisted.
"The main body, yes," Eren affirmed. "But it did what all living things do."
"It multiplied..." Armin reasoned, remembering the conversation he had with Zeke in the Paths. That was what life did.
"Anyone who is or was a Shifter had a part of the parasite within them," Eren explained. "Every Eldian bloodline had traces of it from somewhere at one point. When Ymir Fritz split her soul, the power with it was divided, after that, there is none."
"So then, the curse...?" Annie spoke up.
"All of us here are long past our expiration date," Eren supplied. "Ymir's soul departing broke that. When we all die eventually, that will be the end of the Titan powers."
It was hard to say if that was supposed to be relieving or not. It was a comfort knowing that Eren had not condemned two children to a cursed life like so many others had done before, but the fact remained, a 15-meter Titan was standing before them now. It came from somewhere.
"And what about the now, Eren?" Armin then asked. "You got your Titan from somewhere, but some of us have tried before and we couldn't transform. The power to turn is with one of the twins, isn't it?"
Eren's eyes bore into Armin from their elevation. "A good chance that it is. And if that were the case, best to treat lightly then, wouldn't it?"
"Eren," Mikasa spoke. "Don't-,"
"I'm not looking to harm anyone," Eren eased. "Just reminding, that's all." They all knew what that meant.
"So will they be joining us for this... talk of yours?" Armin chose his words carefully.
Eren's expression seemed to soften, if only for a moment. "No. This is for us to discuss. They're spending time together for the day." Even if he hadn't admitted to it, Armin had a hunch that somewhere there were two more Titans where walls once stood. "But, this is related to them, or more to him."
Something about Ziegfried? "Are you referring to that other world that he was lost in?" Armin asked, already more than likely knowing the answer.
Eren gave a nod. "Since you did initially help on the mainland to gather leads, I think it's fitting you know exactly what happened." Armin felt an on-and-off tension between his shoulder blades. Eren sounded... open. A more muted tone of how he had sounded when asking Armin about new things as a kid, except this time, Eren was the one with the book, and he the ignorant one.
"Alright then, Eren," Armin agreed. "I'm sure we'd all like to hear what happened."
"He was taken to another world, by a couple called James and Lily Potter, with the help of a man named Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of the school he attended," Eren explained. "Much like our world, theirs was nearing the end of a war. The Potters went into hiding and during that time they took him into their world, intent as raising him as their own son."
"Why?" it was Pieck who asked. "What does a couple form another world stand to gain from taking a baby from elsewhere? And why not take Ymir, too?"
"They believed that they were saving him," Eren answered, the undertone of venom laced his reply.
"Saving him?" Annie repeated. "I wonder what could've given them that impression." Her rhetoric left rather obvious.
"They're dead now," Eren casually said. "Who's to say now, except for Dumbledore? Of course, the same can't be said for the parasites that took him in after the Potters were killed."
"Meaning?" Armin pressed.
"Let's just say that they're the type of people to take away another's freedom," Eren replied in a tone similar to when he had announced his intentions through the Paths. "And that's after the wizard that tried to kill him and gave him that scar."
That's what that scar was from, an assassination? Armin had seen it when he first saw the boy, and the sight had made him doubt his theory of him being a Titan Shifter. Any injury would have faded by then, but if this was some sort of mystical injury... "And why would anyone want to kill an innocent baby?" But would you know that answer, Eren?
"Only Dumbledore or the one that tried would know," Eren drolly said. "Voldemort they call him." Before Armin or the other could ask more, Eren continued. "But for some reason, Voldemort couldn't kill him. His power was weakened when he tried and went into hiding leading many to think he died. After that, the Wizarding World came up with the name, The Boy Who Lived. Their ministry named him their savior after the defeat of this dark lord."
"A... savior?" Reiner spoke up. "A hero..." his gaze seemed to stare hundreds of yards away.
"Yes, exactly that," Eren agreed with Reiner. "Can you see why I chose to do things like this? Why I would ask for your cooperation?"
"Our cooperation?" Armin repeated. "With what exactly, Eren? What are you asking?"
"In making things right," Eren cryptically replied. "He was able to return home after making contact with an ancient form of those people's magic and fully opened his blocked connection to Paths, much like how the first Ymir did over 2000 years ago. He managed to do it, and it was done before. And if memories serve me correctly, they won't be the only times."
A great weight followed his words. Equal in parts only to the thundering rumble of Titan's feet on the march. "You're saying... those wizards... they'll find a way here?" Armin wanted to clarify. "Maybe the one who scarred him?"
"Or their ministry," Eren corrected. "I'm sure the Warriors present know how much value a government can force on a single child." Armin could practically feel the apprehension radiating from Annie. "And I'm sure they can understand when I say I'm not going to let him be used against his will by those people, and should they come in self-serving interests, I'll meet them with the same reaction as when war was declared on Paradis."
"Eren...!"
"All those Colossal Titans, they'll still crystalized in the same places as when the war ended," Eren said, rather matter-of-factly. "And as we've established, I still have the power of the Coordinate."
"So this is it, huh, Eren?!" Armin asked in horrible lament. " After all these years, you haven't learned? You really think causing another genocide will solve anything?! And you think that we'd - that I'd actually go along with it?!"
"That's where you're wrong, Armin," Eren sounded totally unphased. "I know that if it's possible, you're not going to let that happen. That's why I'm asking for your help."
"For my help?" Armin could hardly believe he said it. "I was willing to help you for the longest time, Eren! My help didn't amount to anything of merit then, why should it now?"
"Because this isn't then," Eren's voice was low and soft. "And... I don't want to repeat back then."
"You-," Armin stopped himself. He wanted to yell, he wanted to curse Eren and his arrogance, but... he knew Eren was fully capable of backing up his words and threats. The best thing he could do is just walk away. Walk away and say nothing of any of this to the World Council. Let Eren be alone to his own devices and let him... let him... "Why, Eren? Why now?"
"Why?" Eren asked. "Because this is where you're strongest. I told you what I will do if they don't heed my demand; I want you to make sure it will never come to that. Do whatever it is you need to, just don't let it happen. Any of you."
"And... if the best thing to do is to tell the World Alliance?" Armin theoretically asked.
"If you really think they'll believe you," Eren almost dismissed. "And, if you think they won't retaliate when they realize the Titan power is still alive in the rest of us until we all die."
"..." Armin chose to remain silent. Even if there were a million and one thoughts going through his head, Armin at least knew the answer to that. For more than the first time, Armin wished that Commander Erwin or Hange were here. But they were not. They were gone, and in their place, there was him.
"Then what do we need to do?" Armin looked over to who had asked. It was Reiner.
"Really?" Annie stared down the other ex-Warrior. "You're getting behind this?"
Reiner didn't shy away from Annie's gaze. "Behind it? There's a lot that I don't agree with, but... who really wants to be a hero?"
Annie looked like she had a retort ready, but she kept quiet. But she was not the only one. There was one amongst them that had been surprisingly silent through much of this interaction, and she was who Armin now sought out.
"Historia," Armin addressed the fair Queen of Paradis. "This plan, is this really something that you would condone? I can't lie and say I understand from before, but if we've learned anything from the last war, surely things can be different."
The queen's expression was almost sorrowful. "If you ask if I condone genocide, of course, the answer is no. I hated how things went during the last war. No parent deserves to be robbed of their child. Maybe having him be taken from me was the price I pay for standing to the side when Eren told me of his plan. But my child will not pay for past sins; not from anyone here, or that other world. I abhor violence, and I don't want any more blood on my hands, but I will not have my child be made into a martyr or prophecized savior. If that really does make me the worst girl in existence, then it's a burden I'll bear."
Armin's head dipped in mournful acceptance. "I see." His blue eyes drifted over to Jean and Mikasa. "Do the two of you feel the same?"
"If you're asking if I agree with this bastard's methods, no," Jean answered, shooting a small glare at the towering Attack Titan. "I'm not looking to sacrifice my Yeager's idiocy. I'm not looking to start some pointless fight, that doesn't mean someone else isn't. From what I was told, these wizards revere the kid. And personally, I don't think the kid needs others dying on his behalf. I'll help. I'll give a level head, god knows Yeager won't."
Mikasa appeared neutral, but Armin had known her for years, he knew she was feeling far from how she looked. "I'm tired of the fighting, Armin," she admitted. "The Titans, Marely and Eldia, the world, and most of all the two of you." Her eyes lingered on him and then Eren. "The world is cruel enough as is, it doesn't need more ugliness, not for us, and not for them. The world is cruel, but if I can help spare my godson a fraction of that, then my life would be the price."
So, that was it. Protecting someone out of love. It was innocent, it was pure, and it was dangerous. How many lives had been extinguished in the name of love? History was so muddled already that thirteen lifetimes wouldn't be enough time to sort it all out.
"You're seriously asking for our help, Eren, you have to understand, this isn't going to be like last time," Armin firmly stated.
From up above, Eren's eyes remained distant. "That's what I'm asking for."
"I'm serious," Armin affirmed, his voice on the rise. "If you want our help and support, you need to realize, this isn't something you're doing alone. There has to be full transparency and communication. You can't withhold anything like before. Do you understand me, Eren?"
"I understand, Armin," Eren answered. He momentarily disappeared back inside the nape of his Titan and brought it to a kneeling position. The Titan slumped its head forward and Eren emerged in a burst of steam. Walking towards them, Armin could clearly see the patterned burns on Eren's face. "But there is something I would ask all of you to withhold." Well that didn't last long.
"And why's that?" Connie demanded, skeptical of Eren's intentions.
"Ziegfried, or, Harry, he's been away for years," Eren reiterated. "And even if he can see past memories because of Ymir Fritz, he has only seen parts, not the whole. Because of that, he doesn't know the full truth about the Rumbling."
"Seriously?" Annie looked how she sounded. "Do you really plan to keep him in ignorance for the rest of his life? The rest of the world won't."
"Of course not," Eren grumbled out. "I mean that it's my responsibility to do it." His tone brokered no argument.
The very idea seemed absolutely asinine to Armin. Having signed on several educational degrees, Armin knew that the Rumbling was a sensitive subject to be taught, but a necessary one. And even if the schools didn't mention it, parents and survivors certainly would. It was actually a miracle no one here on Paradis hadn't brought it up yet if the prince was around. Still, Eren was adamant on this and Armin knew better than to try and change his mind. But he couldn't help but wonder, how long would Eren put that conversation off?
"Fine, Eren," Armin relented. "You have my assistance so long as I have yours."
"Agreed."
When their hands clasped, almost hesitantly, Armin could feel a jolt stronger than a static arc across his skin and down his spine. The price of making a deal with a devil and a savior.
As the body of the Attack Titan evaporated into clouds of steam, two more Titan bodies remained very much intact. Harry and Ymir were back in the secluded spot Eren had taken them the day prior. Eren had taken them here again early in the morning and left shortly after to meet with the others.
"You sure he's okay with us being out here alone?" Harry's mental voice transmitted from his Titan over to Ymir's. Her Titan seemed largely unconcerned as it easily snapped a large branch off of a tree and tossed it over to his. With reflexes of heightened variety, Harry's Titan hand shot out and snatched the broken wood.
'We're not alone,' Ymir's familiar voice transmitted from the psychic link he had created. 'You have me and I have you. Simple as that.'
"I meant unsupervised," Harry conveyed as he twirled the wood between his titanic fingers. It felt no different from holding a wand; if a wand was roughly the size of Hagrid. "Shouldn't Mikasa or someone be here with us?"
'She probably would be if she could, but she wasn't asked to come out here, was she?' Ymir asked, rhetorically. 'I thought that you'd be a little more excited. If he left us alone, it just shows that he trusts you not to do something stupid.'
"Or to make sure that you don't."
'Har-har,' her sarcastic laugh sang in his headspace. 'Seriously though, you can't tell me you're not excited to try out your Titan more.'
He was. He knew he was, Ymir knew he was. Harry wasn't afraid, what was there to be afraid of? He quit twirling the broken branch in his hand, he looked at a large boulder behind Ymir with both sets of his eyes.
"Alright, then," Harry found himself agreeing. "Step aside for a second."
Ymir's Titan took a lumbering step to the side giving Harry a clear shot at the boulder. Harry focused on it, adjusting the makeshift "wand" that he held. His Titan could do magic, that much was proven yesterday. If he could levitate something, then he could do other spells that he knew. Harry thought back to that night on Halloween, when he had fought and killed that troll. He had been able to cut its flesh as a human, but as a Titan...
Following the proper wand movement, Harry mentally thought, "Diffindo!"
There seemed to be an audible change in the way of the wind followed by a fast cracking noise. Nothing happened at first, not until a half portion of the boulder slid and came crashing to the ground. The rock had been cut through so cleanly that there wasn't a single flaw to be seen on the now smooth side.
Ymir's Titan moved to lift the fallen half and examine it. 'Nice cut. How're you feeling?'
"Fine. Not feeling too tired or anything." Perhaps that was something he'd be able to improve. Being a Titan was a big advantage, and still able to perform magic at that, but he'd hate to think of it as a one-trick-pony only able to perform a spell or two before running out of stamina. A weird thought to have, really. Aside from Voldemort, Harry didn't consider anyone an enemy he'd have to use his Titan for.
Besides, Voldemort was more than a world away from him now. Harry was home, and Voldemort was somewhere in hiding, less than even a shadow of the past. The only one that might be a threat now was Dumbledore, but even then Harry didn't think of the old headmaster as an enemy, but that didn't make him a friend or ally. Dumbledore could claim to have his heart in the right place when he helped abduct Harry, but Harry could say he was far from grateful. Still, there was no need to worry about any of that now.
'Want to try another spell?' Ymir asked, tossing the cut boulder to the side. 'Maybe try and go invisible again? Chances are it's like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it'll get.'
"I was actually thinking of just trying out the Titan itself," Harry offered. "I want to see what it can do all on its own."
'Ah, I see.' Ymir's Titan gave a small bow of its head. 'Are you saying that you want to practice fight?'
"You want to fight me?"
'Don't downplay me,' Ymir flexed her Titan fingers, gripping the other part of the cut boulder and breaking a human-sized chunk off. 'I have fast hands.'
"You've fought as a Titan before?"
'Well...' Ymir let the pieces of rubble shift between her digits. 'Not really fight, but Eren did let me throw a few punches at his one time just to try it out.'
"Really? How'd you fair?"
'I... almost got one in.'
"Just one?"
'It would've been a good one, too. But, He's one of the best at hand-to-hand in the whole military, maybe even more, so I deserve some credit for getting close.'
"Do you think you could show me?"
'I think Eren would be a better help with that,' Ymir suggested. 'It'd be a bad look if we accidentally got injured by ourselves, even if we can heal.'
"I thought we were supervising each other and that we're trusted."
'Using my own words against me, huh? Alright.' Ymir's Titan changed its casual stance. Her feet spread wider and her knees bent. Her arms coming up with her fists clenched. 'Try and hit me then.'
"...I feel I've seen that pose before. From a memory."
'You probably did. Annie was the one who taught this to Eren.'
Feeling compelled, Harry assumed the same stance as her. Two could play at that game. Taking a step towards Ymir, Harry waited for her to move back, but she held her ground. Her Titan's heterochromic eyes stared him down. Harry shuffled on his feet as he took a few more small steps towards Ymir, or as small as a Titan his size could. When he gauged that he was within striking distance, Harry shot out with his right arm.
His punch moved with a greater speed than Harry would've thought, and he was sure that it would catch Ymir off guard. And yet her Titan moved with equal amounts of swiftness. Her torso pivoted and her left arm came out and swatted his punch to the side.
Harry found his Titan staggering forward as the momentum carried him, but he had grown used to the discombobulated feeling from his first transformation and managed to steady himself before he could fall. Ymir took the time to adjust herself, keeping her stance so she could still face him. Assuming his stance again, Harry readied his fist and as he threw his next punch, he ducked low before it could collide and aimed for his midsection instead.
Ymir was fast. She kicked herself backwards before Harry's fist could touch her. She bent her knees and planted her feet back on the ground, a small shockwave shook the surrounding trees causing the birds to flock away in terror. Before she could ready herself in her stance again, Harry was already running towards her, his arms outstretched prepared to tackle her.
His feet tore up large patches of grass and dirt as he charged, and Ymir only had a few seconds to grab one of his arms and attempt to redirect him away from her. And it nearly worked.
She had directed him towards the ground, but given their close proximity, Harry was able to link his leg around one of hers. They both took the fall, their Titan bodies creating a small shockwave that knocked over any trees with shallow roots.
"You okay?" Harry asked as their Titans began to right themselves back up.
'Yeah, I'm good,' Ymir answered. 'That was a pretty cheap trick on your end.'
"It got you, didn't it?" Harry rhetorically asked.
'Sure. But it looks like you got the brunt of it.'
"Huh?" Looking down, Harry saw a small trail of steam coming from his Titan's side. It looked like one of the ribs on Ymir's Titan had punctured him during the fall, but the hole was already mending itself.
'Did that hurt?'
"I could hardly feel that. Is that normal?"
'Sort of. The Titans aren't our real bodies so even if we get pierced or cut, we won't really feel it unless it is something concussive or related to our napes.'
Speaking of which, Ymir poked herself free of her nape as he Titan took a kneeling position. "Want to try and free yourself, or do you need my help?"
Harry held up a hand and concentrated. He worked on moving his actual body encased within the tendons of his Titan's flesh. He could feel his arms come free and pull at the tendons that were attached to his face. Once he got those off, it felt like he had much more movement. He could feel his head pressing up against hot flesh, and as he applied a bit more force, his vision was clouded as a burst of steam escaped with him.
"Ah!" Harry took a breath as the cool air met his natural skin. The rest of the Titan muscles peeled away easily as freed himself.
He met Ymir back on the ground as they climbed from the evaporating bodies of their Titans. Ymir smiled at him before her eyes widened. "Your glasses."
"What?" Harry touched his face. He felt the outlines of the Titan markings, but he did not feel the familiar metal of his circular glasses. "I must've lost them in there."
"Yeah, but can you see?" Ymir then asked.
"I..." he looked around. It was clear. "Yeah. It feels like I'm still wearing them, really."
"I guess that makes sense," Ymir noted. "A lot of people who are shifters don't really need glasses since their sight would've been repaired until later on during their years of the curse. Even Zeke didn't really need glasses, I heard. Do you miss them?"
"I won't miss having to clean the lenses," Harry half-joked. "How do I look without them?"
"You look fine," Ymir smiled. "You look more natural like this, I think. Your eyes stand out more."
His eyes. The same eyes he shared with her, with Eren, with a man locked up somewhere on the mainland. Eyes with hidden fangs.
"Will the boy be alright, Poppy?" Dumbledore asked as the stretcher floated over to one of the hospital beds.
"I... believe so," the matron answered as she examined the body of the limp first-year.
Minerva stood besides him as one of her lions was examined by the healer. "Who would do something like this, Albus?" she asked. "Who would attack young Mr. Creevey?"
The young Gryffindor was as still as a plank. His face scrunched up in abject terror as his hands clutched at his camera. A pang of sadness washed over the aged wizard's heart. "I suspect the same person who wrote the threatening message on the wall during Halloween. The same who petrified Mrs. Norris." So it was indeed happening again. The same terrible events.
"Does this mean-?"
"I'm afraid so, Minerva," Dumbledore said sadly. "The Chamber of Secrets has indeed been opened once again."
"I'll... I'll see to it that the boy's family is made aware," the Head of Gryffindor hung her head in remorse.
"Yes, please do so," Dumbledore agreed. "I shall inform Cornelius and the Ministry. Best he hear it from me before the Governors."
After leaving Colin Creevey in Madam Pimfrey's care, Dumbledore made the reclusive walk back to his office. The gargoyle jumped aside at the candy-themed password and it seemed even Fawkes was in a dour mood. Dumbledore suspected that his burning day was approaching and he would be born anew. Perhaps that was something that they could all use from time to time.
Scooping some Floo Powder in his hand, Dumbledore tossed it into his fireplace and green flames roared to life in the hearth. Kneeling to stick his head in, Dumbledore made sure that his connection went straight to the Minister. Not even a few seconds later, Dumbledore found himself staring into an office he had refused many years ago.
"Pardon me, Cornelius," Dumbledore spoke, gaining the Minister's attention.
"Oh, Dumbledore!" Fudge greeted his usual green bowler hat in place. "What can I do you for, today? Has there been news on Harry Potter turning back up?"
"I'm afraid not, Cornelius," Dumbledore informed, noting the smile disappear from the Minister's face. "I'm afraid I bring much more dire news. A student has been attacked."
"Attacked?!" Fudge was dumbfounded. "How?"
"Petrified," Dumbledore informed. "Luckily a Mandrake drought can be made to remedy the effects, but it will take time to produce, and I fear more attacks will occur until that point."
"B-but, Hogwarts is the safest place," Fudge stammered. "You've always said so."
"I'm but only a man, and have been wrong on many matters before."
Fudge was beginning to pace about his office. "This... this is preposterous, Dumbledore! A student petrified, and the savior of the wizarding world gone missing... it'll be a scandal once the papers get wind of this. How likely is it that the one behind this attack is also responsible for Potter's disappearance?"
"That remains to be seen," Dumbledore answered honestly. "Hogwarts has been searched for young Mr. Potter, but the grounds are quite expansive and likely where he went missing."
"Oh, confound it!" Fudge began twirling his hat. "Missing or lured out there by someone or something?" Fudge jumped to the conclusion. "I'll have a team of Aurors sent out to scour the grounds as soon as tomorrow! Have your staff present as well."
"I see. I do sincerely hope that I am wrong in my assessment, however."
Fudge continued to pace and twirl his hat. "Yes, I hope you're wrong as well. But this mess will be sorted out one way or another. The culprit behind this attack and Potter's disappearance will be brought to justice, and our savior will be returned safe and sound."
"If... that is what you believe, Cornelius." And Dumbledore knew it would not be quite that simple. If Harry did truly find his way back, what guarantee was there that he would return here? More importantly, what would that man do if someone tried to force him?
A/N: Sorry for the long wait. I've been busy with lots of other stuff, but still tried to find the time to write when I could. Thank you for reading. Next chapter: As Harry continues to hone his Titan powers and an uneasy alliance takes form, echoes and ghosts still find a way to haunt those who live. Chapter 21: Window of a Bridge.