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Harco Empire	By : Toddy Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 34430 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or films. I do not make any money from the writing of this story, just enjoyment.

Chapter List
- 131
- 132
- 133
[Note: conversation =: “speech” & ‘thoughts’ & *telepathy* & #Parseltongue# & {telephone}]
~~~ WELL OF URDD ~~~
They swam in silence, each musing on that last revelation, until the Innish was reached and they had hauled out. There, there was another hissing conversation with some snakes. It turned out that Saint Patrick was not quite as thorough as the legend suggests. When told that the snakes’ duty was to guard the swans he relented and allowed that species to stay on Innish Urdd as long as they promised not to stray.
When they stripped on the lake shore, Draco had sent their clothes ahead of him. However, when they landed on the Innish he and Harry decided to remain naked. He enquired why it was so warm.
*That’s because the Well of Urdd feeds the lake, Draco. It is a hot spring and alters the whole ecology of the lake and its surrounds*, came from Conn: *That’s one of the things we would like you to put right. Let me explain. Our sisters lay silver eggs, because the vegetation we eat in the lake absorbs minute amounts of the precious metal and the eggs are a way to lose the contamination from their bodies. We two cobs, on the other hand, lose it when we procreate with our mates, therefore a silver egg contains the residue of both our bodies. Unlike normal swans, Aida and Nuala do not lay eggs in batches but reasonably regularly once every ninth moon phase. Once we are sure an egg is infertile we give it over to Niall, who trades it with certain reputable silversmiths.*
He paused, Our two felt a worried feeling emanating from the swans.
Then Conn continued: *Slowly the cavity which supplies the spring of thermal water has been narrowing owing to accretion, and it is starting to affect our eco-climate. We ask you to remove some of the deposit so that the spring runs freely again. That is if you don’t mind? The young Dumbledore did it for us about a hundred and fifty years ago, last time*.
*I’m sure we would like to help with that*, offered Harry: *Perhaps you would show us where the spring is*.
The swans waddled off followed by the two mages.
*I take it that the spring is what the books refer to as the Well of Urdd*.
*Yes Draco, although the Norse legend only has two swans guarding it. Muggles seem to get the legends mixed up somewhat*.
*Perhaps it’s the Fluence that does it. Rather like the Oblivators, making someone have a muddled memory of what they saw*.
*Quite a reasonable theory. Now here is the Well of Urdd*.
Draco looked. He had imagined a small trickle of water, or even a hole spraying a stream of water out of a rock face. This was a big pool of disturbed water and he could feel the heat radiating from it.
Harry dipped a foot in: *Almost as hot as we like our showers, Love. Um … Do you three happen to have some gillyweed? I think we’re going to need some*.
*We thought you might, so we asked the daoine farraige to give us some*. Aida produced a small sealed phial with the plant inside from under her wing.
*Daoine farraige is the Gaelic name for the merfolk*, Draco explained, *We’ve met them before*.
*Right*! Harry smiled and took the phial from Aida’s beak: *Thank you. There appears to be enough for four sessions. Do you need any*?
*We couldn’t fit down there, we’re the wrong shape and body density. That’s why we hoped you’d offer*.
*Fine … so Draco … You and I can do a recce with the first dose and the repairs using the second. I think we should rest a little first, that current looks quite fierce*.
*Dumbledore said that there were hand-holds to help you go down. They start just there*. Nuala pointed with her beak.
For about an hour, Draco and Harry lay on the moss, snoozing. Rising, they ate a portion of the gillyweed, waited for it to take effect and dived into the Well of Urdd. The rising current was quite strong and seemed to become hotter as they handed themselves down inside the fissure. It was slow going, because they had to manoeuvre their waterproof Baubillious Globus as well. If not watched constantly it had the tendency to float back to the surface. About fifty feet down they came to the constriction. It was impossible to stay in the main stream, as it jetted through the small hole. Because of that each side had a slight down current which enabled them to remain in calmer water.
H: *When we blow the sides we’ll be pushed back, you know*.
D: *I suggest that we make an oval hole first. Opening it up left and right, that should reduce the turbulence and still give us some shelter. Hopefully the pressure will ease*.
H: *I see what you mean. I think we should wrap our bodies in a protective shield, just in case*.
D: *Good idea. Let’s try opening up the left hand side now. There’s still time*.
H: *A Bombarda, d’you think*?
D: *Try a medium one first to see how it goes. I’ll do that whilst you hold the shield round us both*.
H: *Protego Nos*!
D: *Bombarda*!
A few bits flew off the rock
D: *That made no impression. We’ll have to up the strength*.
H: *Protego Nos*!
D: *Bombarda Forte*!
Some more slightly larger bits flew off.
D: *Some of it came off. I’ll go for Maxima, I think*.
H: *Protego Nos*!
D: *Bombarda Maxima*!
More of the encrustation broke away than was intended. Most of the constriction disintegrated. Draco and Harry were caught up in the sharply increased water-flow and tossed up the tube. Being more solid than the water surrounding them they had a greater trajectory and broke the surface of the roiling pool, shot into the air and landed in the much cooler water of the lake and the Protego ceased to operate.
D: *I’m glad we didn’t land on the island. That might have been quite uncomfortable*.
H: *I agree, but I was still holding the Protego, so we wouldn’t have hurt ourselves too much*.
D: *Maybe, but the gillyweed hasn’t worn off yet. I’ve seen fish flopping around on the bank gasping for water. They looked very distressed*.
H: *Point taken, let’s go down and see what kind of water plants there are*.
They immersed themselves and almost immediately met Nuala’s head sticking down from the surface looking for them.
N: *Ah! There you are. Are you alright*?
D: *Yes thank you, the gillyweed hasn’t worn off yet so we’re looking at your sub-surface flora*.
The remaining quarter of an hour was spent on a delightful underwater plant hunt and trying out some of the vegetation that the swans said tasted nice. In the end they agreed that their taste-buds differed greatly.
Once out of the water and breathing through their lungs, the party looked at the Well of Urdd. The swans said that they were pleased that the water-flow had increased greatly, noting that it was less turbulent. They then started to bob around with their heads underwater. Each time they came up they had a piece of the obstruction in their beaks.
D: *Why are you doing that*.
C: *It’s your payment*.
D: *Hmm … Thank you*, his sending felt dubious.
H: *Look more closely, Lover*.
Draco looked at the grey mass and then realised that the obstruction had been built up of an accretion of silver, albeit in a tarnished state, and the nuggets in his hand seemed to be heavier than normal rock samples of an equivalent size. It dawned on him that the water was bringing minute specs of silver from somewhere in the planet’s volcanic mantle. This had been deposited in the blockage as well as taken up by the plants that the swans ate. Hence the silver eggs, as Conn had informed them.
H: *That’s very generous of you, thank you again*.
C: *We’re pleased too. We were worried that the lake might freeze in winter and the humans need more warmth than we do*.
N: *That’s why we did not get dressed here. It feels like a hot summer day, and the ground is warm to the feet. I imagine it’s the proximity to the Well of Urdd*.
C: *Actually, we were referring to the humans who have houses around the lake*.
The two mages stared around and could see, in the distance, a number of small cottages all nestling in the lakeside woods; each with their own cultivated patch.
Conn continued: *They’re the old clan members, they retire here. Their old bones appreciate the warmth and pure air. Niall keeps a gentle eye on them, arranging help as necessary, but giving them as much freedom as possible. He also ensures that they have adequate wards, but some of the older ones forget and break them down, also, some of the squibs don’t understand the limitations*.
D: *Hmm … Village wards*?
H: *Um … Good idea*.
D: *In the village where we live our ward team put up a tholus. It covers an area approximating to your lake and the woods surrounding it. Maybe that would be easier than a lot of individual wards. If we connected you to our portal system they could be updated regularly*.
C: *Sounds like a good idea, but you need to discuss it with Niall first*.
###
Some leprechauns popped in: “Máistir Niall sent you some luncheon Máistri.”
“Thank you.”
“Fáilte, Máistir, he says he is swimming over to join you. Where may we set up?”
Harry looked at Conn who nodded towards a flat patch of grass: “Over there, thank you.”
Ten minutes later a naked Niall hauled out of the water: #Before you ask. I swam across because not every mage knows about the island. And we have no intention of letting every mage know about it, even some of the clan members are not aware. Had I apparated then it is possible to trace my path, so we are very careful. These leprechauns belong to my household and will not reveal family secrets. Because you saw it immediately, I knew that the Fluence regarded you as people to be trusted with the secret#.
Draco indicated that Harry should talk Parseltongue and held onto his lover’s hand.
Harry explained what was happening and continued: #We were discussing putting up a village ward over this lake and the cottages on its shores; rather like the one at Godric’s Hollow#.
#That would stop some of the senile mages destroying their personal ones,# Observed Niall: #There are a few who think we’re trying to imprison them, too. It becomes quite wearing, going round and resetting their protectors, but we cannot let our guard down. There are a number of ex-death-eaters hiding in the area#.
#Draco says that Hermione has some occlusions that hide everything from sight except for the initiates#.
#We already have an occlusion, aimed at muggles, that makes the area look like a forest, but all mages can see through it. Could it be altered?#
#We think so; however, it would mean some of our colleagues would need to know about Innish Urdd. The people we would need to let know, already have high security ratings, equivalent to the ones that Dónall has#.
#I am aware of Huskier Island, too. I think the Clan Tionól would allow them the knowledge. They seemed to be okay with you two being given the privilege#.
#Clan Tionól#?
#Sorry, it’s our greater family council; all to be trusted. We weeded out the few antediluvian ones when you defeated Voldemort#.
Draco giggled sent Harry an image of Glandulous Dendron with a grey beard and walking stick. The swans caught the idea and hissed in merriment, so Harry had to explain to Niall.
# … We would need to set up a system whereby the wards could be updated. Draco and I feel that both you and Dónall should know about our portal system. It is more extensive than you know … # Harry continued to describe it: # … We would make a portal from the nearest point, which we think is on the Isles of Scilly. Because of the handing through rite, only the four of us and the warding team need ever know. Unless, of course, we came to a mutual agreement about others#.
#You talked earlier about defence. Well, we have heard that some of the antediluvians have wind of the Innish. One of our senile mages has been babbling about it. His hearers may think that they’re jumbled ramblings, but we cannot take the risk. I think that Dónall and I could authorise such knowledge and the protector plus its connection. How soon could you have it in place?#
#The day after Samhain would be ideal#, Harry went on to explain the reasons and suggest that only Niall, Dónall and their immediate families be privy to the information about the extent of the portal system.
Thus ten mages from each side would have the knowledge. Kingsley would also have to know about the defence wards, but not about the island, the swans, and the silver eggs. Draco observed that that would put an arithmantical seal on the agreement.
###
After a suitable rest period the three mages swam back to Niall’s house, cabinetting to the Rath to talk to Dónall. Because there were a number of Tionól members still at the Rath a hasty meeting was called to discuss the protectors and occludors. There was little discussion bar the fact that the members were relieved to have their secret so well guarded, and to commend Niall and Dónall for having such foresight. As they came from the meeting each member thanked and shook hands with our two mages.
###
Being invited to dinner D&H accepted.
During the post prandial conversation, the fact that Draco and Harry were lovers came out. Dónall revealed that he and Niall had formed an equivalent intense partnership at school. They also revealed that they had a foot in both camps and had married in order to have children and continue their family lines. Their wives had had an attachment to each other, thus there was much understanding between the two couples and a ready acceptance of the young mage’s proclivities. Being offered the guest room with the double bed for the night, our pair accepted.
###
The following day they took two surprised and delighted Irish mages on a trans-portal European visit and then all four of them went to see Kingsley.
“As far as I, as head of security, am concerned. My two employees are taking a proactive stance about prevention. It seems a very legitimate call on the Auror Department’s time.”
The next port of call was Huskier Island, where the situation was outlined to the ward team and detailed plans drawn up.
“All we need is a tower on which to place the thaumic spire,” Grammarian announced.
“That’s relatively easy,” answered Dónall: “There used to be an early Celtic monastery on the island. They lived in wattle huts, but they built a round stone tower for safety’s sake because they lived near the sea.”
“Um … A round tower?”
“Yes, Harry. Totally solid at the bottom and a door a couple of storeys up. When the Viking raiders came, the monks and nuns would disperse their flocks and climb up into the tower; taking their food and valuables with them. Then they drew up the wooden ladder. They’d lose a few beasts, but their families and their precious illuminated Gospels would be safe.”
“Surely the monks and nuns were celibate.”
“The early Celtic ones were Christian families living in community. It stopped when the roman church persuaded them it was wrong. However, that took quite a few centuries.”
“Do you remember Seamus taking us to Dublin University once, Harry?”
“Yes … Oh! The Book of Kells. I remember they said it was made by the monks. It’s gorgeous. No wonder they wanted to keep such books safe.”
By the time they were finished it was already dark so the two Irish mages were invited to dinner at Chantry Cottage. To the other Dumbledorians they were introduced as new Praetors-to-be and there were enough present to confirm Harry’s and Draco’s proposals.
###
The following day was a rest day and the next culminated in Beltane. Draco took one miniaturised cabinet to Laggen Lodge, Harry took the other to Geraldine Manor where Niall lived. Setting the cabinets up adjacent to an already open portal, automatically made them into portals. Under the new system, since the ward team had read the Palazzo’s books, only people who knew and had been handed-through could actually see the door. Therefore, only Niall and the members of the ward team were introduced that night; being offered beds at Geraldine Manor.
###
Harry and Draco were first up in the air after breakfast [the usual enormous one] and started to construct the magical spire. Once it was completed Draco became the anchor man and Harry with the ward team plus Dónall and Niall were the fliers. Instead of being a rushed job in the middle of the night they had time to be leisurely about the construction. Probert, in his fourth school year, was especially pleased because he had been given a hands-on experience and had ample time to set the thaumic anchors. By five o’clock all was sorted and should have been peaceful. However, on the northern shore there was a thaumically pulsing device.
Draco and Harry flew over there under the cloak. It was a good thing they did because there were three people seemingly fighting a thaumic bubble. Draco recognised one because he had seen him at Voldemort’s court.
“I think we have three satraps caught, Harry. Any ideas what to do with them?”
“Yes … We’ll try to encapsulate them and send them off to Auror headquarters.”
As they landed close to the bubble, still under the cloak; they noticed that one of the occupants had a long scraggly grey beard.
“I bet that’s the retired mage that’s been telling stories about silver swans.”
Fine … We’ll leave him till last. You take the one on the right, I’ll take the left-hand one. Three – two – one – INCARCEROUS!”
“Where did you come from?”
“We’re Aurors, come to arrest those two.”
“How in Merlin’s name did you find out? Incendio!”
Draco already held a shield so the hex bounced back on the sender.
“Aquamenti!” sent Harry: Expelliarmus!”
The ancient mage looked surprised and smelled slightly of flames despite his dripping, charred clothes.
“Are you two guarding the silver swans then?” asked one of the bound satraps.
Draco sent a quick caution to Harry and answered: “What silver swans are you talking about? We were just visiting the local manor house when we heard you shouting. You’d be surprised how far sound carries across still water.”
“Old Brendan says that there’s a magical island in the middle of the lake and seven silver swans live on it.”
“We’ve just flown over from the other side. We saw no island and we had our thaumic detectors out,” Draco lied with a straight face: “I’m sure we’d have noticed something. We saw two or three swans as we came over but they flew off. I imagine birds made of silver would be unable to float, never mind fly.”
“I’ve seen a silver swan,” added Harry, “It belongs in a museum at Bowes. It’s a muggle-made automaton. Looks quite real too. The muggles wind it up and it appears to float on water made of revolving glass rods. Have you been there, Grandpa?” Harry cast an unobtrusive agreement charm on Brendan.
The old mage nodded his head but said little else.
Harry sent Draco a mental nudge.
They pointed their fingers at the bound satraps. “ENCAPSULARE ET TRANSPORTAMENT AD PRAETORIUM AURAM!” The two incarcerated malcontents disappeared.
Brendan looked puzzled: “No … I am sure they live out there somewhere. Where are my friends?”
“They had to go, Grandpa. Urgent business. Something about their boss wanting them.”
“Oh, probably gone to get the reward he promised me.”
D: *So that’s how it is. We’d better tell Niall. I think the old boy was tempted. They’ll not be able to get at him. I liked your story about the swan in the museum. Is it real*?
H: *Yes. It was one of Dudley’s birthday treats and I was grudgingly taken there too. Ask Uncle Vernon, he was intrigued by the mechanism and persuaded one of the guides to show him inside*.
D: *I think I’d like to see that one day*.
H: *It’s not too far away from Myddlegarth Hall, but on the other side of the fells. We could cab to Justin’s dad’s place and walk the few miles, as long as it’s fine*.
Making sure that Brendan was going to have a lie-down, they flew over to Geraldine Manor and advised Niall of the situation before porting to Number Twelve. A quick trip to the Aurorbunker had them charge and interview the two bewildered satraps; adding in other swan diversionary stories as seeming asides. Unless some other crimes were uncovered, the ‘corrupting of a mage’ charge would probably result in a fine, not a prison sentence.
###
Justin’s birthday do, on the twenty second, was quite rowdy. Many Dumbledorians took over Myddlegarth Hall for the weekend following the Friday rave-up. Being set in its own grounds none of the local inhabitants were disturbed. Being a fine day, after lunch a number of them, including our two, paid a visit to the Bowes Museum to see the silver swan. They were lucky, and after a pause managed to see it demonstrated. Draco and Astoria were also very taken by the ceramics and china on display.
###
Christmas was a family affair at the cottage. Draco told the elves, in no uncertain terms, that they were to have the day off, and banished them to Chalet Cadmus. Narcissa and Petunia decorated the place tastefully. Molly and Harry did the cooking and various Weasley siblings washed up. As before, the two bachelors from Diagon Alley were part of the gathering as were Hamish and Dolores; not forgetting Oddball. There were two new guests as well – Griswold and the new Dumbledorian: Alexandrou. The now traditional WWW Crackers and their party piece challenges gave a warm atmosphere during which the company could let their hair down companionably.
###
Boxing Day had the hunt and its ball in the evening, courtesy of the barn with the parish marquee set up on the playing field. Ninety-nine percent of the villagers attended, all the Dumbledorians, the Hogwarts staff and quite a few senior students as well. Minerva thought it was a good PA advertisement for the academy.
###
With the Chalet being on-line quite a few Dumbledorians made use of the winter sports possibilities nearby. Being near to the Swiss and French Alps gave endless opportunities to indulge themselves. Some of the quieter ones went to Maison Malfoi, the weather was warmer there – not enough to stay outside for long – but, being on the coast, the prevailing westerly winds kept the clouds away.
Draco and Harry spent a day at the Well of Urdd. As well as swimming with the swans they met another couple of aquatic beings. Morgan and Nigel appeared. There was little need for words, our mages libidinous feelings gave the game away.
Conn hissed in laughter: #I think your time has come mages. I’m rather glad mine isn’t as big as that, Aida would be torn in half if it were so#.
#Yes Dear-one, but they are quite magnificent specimens, even so#, countered Nuala, staring very obviously at two scarlet pricks.
All the swans ogled the mages dinging dongs until, embarrassed, Draco and Harry swallowed some gillyweed and had their way with the two delightful male undines.
###
The New Year was celebrated at Godric’s Hollow by a WWW firework display, as usual.
###
Henry loaned Myddlegarth Hall again on the weekend of the eighteenth, when Astoria became twenty-two.
Worn out by their doings over the holiday; mages, staff and students quietly applied themselves to their new tasks. Pullet and Phealey now had complete charge of all the students at Hogwarts bar a few guest appearances by Harry with new defence charms to teach and Draco with a new potion to introduce. By and large these demonstrations were to the seventh years and occasionally they lectured to GIFTS undergraduates. Thus the two Blakes were really full time Aurors in charge of the Eagles Platoon.
Tracey and Michael made good officers and could be left to deal with the more mundane items. Hermione and Grammarian reported that Alexandrou and Ganymede were shaping well with water control charms and would be able to demonstrate some to the Aurors – however the Aurorbunker was not suitable. They tended to use Keplin Tarn for these demonstrations when the aurors had a training weekend in Milk Wood.
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