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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
- 147
- 148
- 149
[Note: “x-x” = speech & ‘x-x’ = thoughts & *x-x* = telepathy & #x-x# Parseltongue]
~~~ ALPINE ~~~
After breakfast in the dining car, in a siding near Budapest Keleti Station, Harry asked what the plans were for today.
“We had thought of the boys going to the railway museum,” Aggie suggested: “but you girls opted for the cathedral dome instead. I might have tried to persuade you if one of their open days was in operation. They’re fun. Rather like a school sports day, except that the engines race each other, instead of the people. They have a version of an egg and spoon race, but as an open can of beer on the connecting rod; and they don’t normally spill a drop.”
“What’s a connecting rod, Aggie?”
“It’s along bar of metal that connects all the driving wheels of a locomotive together,” explained Fenton, making some circular flat motions with an arm. “It passes on the thrust from the steam cylinders, so that all the wheels revolve at the same rate. Because of that it always remains parallel to the ground; but revolves lengthways with each turn of the wheels. We’ve seen the fun. They also have relay races where a young damsel in distress is rescued and brought home on a hand pump trolley. You Brits won the overall prize when we were there.”
After visiting the cathedral, the tram ride took them back to the station for lunch on board. Then off into the city centre. Shop browsing was first on the list, and then some market stalls. There was an area where carpets were sold, not as aggressively as in Istanbul; the party surrounded Draco and Harry, because they insisted in looking at the carpets. Two carpets were bought in the end, one for the Grimmauld tapestry room and a deep pile one for Ginevra’s and Astoria’s cottage bedroom. Of course, Harry and Draco were still teased as the whole party humped the two carpets back to the station.   Siggy found a place for the carpets in the motor-carriage’s store.
Mid afternoon tea at a pavement café was enlivened by a gypsy quartet playing zigeuner-musik before the friends went up the cathedral’s dome. As well as the views of the interior the route led them outside for glorious views of the city with glimpses of the Danube thrown in for good effect.
Trams back to the station and then into posh muggle clothes again. The elves had found suitable attire for the two newcomers. Prompted by Draco, Harry cornered Iggy and said they would pay for the two Americans.
“No need, Mr Harry, Pullet and Phealey gave us more than enough money earlier. I think it was your earnings and came from the bordello’s safe,” Iggy chuckled. “They also gave our guests their back wages, so I believe.”
As in Paris, a dinner cruise had been arranged; however, this one had English speaking customers. It took longer and there were many smaller courses. Between each course a narrator would tell a story, some were heartrending about life under the Nazi régime, some funny during the Stalin era, and some were based on Dracula themes.
They were still on the cruise at ten, when the boat tied up briefly. On board came the same gipsy quartet who had entertained them in the café earlier. This time, however, the audience was encouraged to try out various local folk dances. Our party took to it like ducks to water; realising that it was an extension of the type of dances in the village at which Grandpops and Hamish made the calls. Hyatt and Fenton indicated that they attended ho-downs occasionally, so they were au-fait. Luckily for them the Narrator was able to translate the calls. It was well after midnight before the giggling participants made their way back to the Keleti station to sleep on board their turned and stationary carriages.
~~~ SATURDAY 21^ST AUG ~~~
Budapest Keleti: 06.00 – Wien Westbahnhof: 08.50
Breakfast on the move again, easily finished without rushing, before arrival in Vienna.
Taxis to the Grunrasenhof, where Grandmamma [the Duchessa] Greengrass greeted them. To be polite they stopped over for Kaffee un kuchen, all brought up fresh from the restaurant below. Whilst partaking the four linked mages had a mental discussion as to how much they should tell Hyatt and Fenton.
*They will be joining your community,* Fawkes informed them, arriving in full plumage and landing, parrot like, on the back of a gilt-backed chair.
“Where did that bird come from? Is it one of the Duchessa’s pets?”
“No Hyatt, he’s a phoenix and we call him Fawkes.”
“You are kidding … Aren’t you? Maybe not … Since you told us about the other magical beings yesterday.”
“Err … A mythological creature with something to do with fire; I believe.”
“Got it in one, Hyatt.” Draco patted the American on the back: “He’s an everlasting bird. He regenerates every seven years by bursting into flame and then rising as a youngster from the ashes. However, he keeps his memories from one reincarnation to the next.”
“We have a mental connection to him,” added Harry: “Like the one we described between the four of us.” *Does that include the portals, Fawkes?*
*Your other muggles know about them so why exclude these two new ones, my son?*
The other three sages heard Fawkes’ reply.
*I think we should let them find their own way in,* sent Astoria: *We might frighten them off if we explained everything immediately.*
*I agree with Tor. They’re still recovering from being rescued so dramatically. We still don’t know how they will fit in practically,* Ginevra cautioned.
*Fine, portal learning next, then?* “Some of us are going grass-skiing at the Schwartzberg, Fenton. Would you two like to come?”
“What are the rest of you doing?”
“Last time we were here we went for a sightseeing tram-ride.”
“We’ve done that, but that wasn’t a real answer, Ginny.”
“Yes, I agree. We wanted to see if you had any preferences.”
“We like hiking. We started doing it at home when our folks became too pushy about careers” explained Hyatt.
“Great! A few of us wanted to go on a long walk. Gudrun, one of the elves at the Schwartzberg, promised to take us out to see the wildlife, up there.”
“Sounds fine to me.”
Fenton nodded his acceptance: “How far is it?”
“About thirty-nine magi-leagues, we can be there in a minute or two.”
“What’s that in our terms?”
“Oh! A hundred and twenty miles or so.”
“Now you ARE kidding. No-one can move that fast.”
Draco chuckled: “How fast did you travel when you were rescued?”
“No idea, it was quite an unusual feeling. How near was the hammam to the station?”
“Probably less than a mile. Not that we measured it.” Ginevra replied, giggling.
“Gee! That was fast. I reckon two seconds. Won’t it hurt more for that distance?”
“No,” answered Harry, “That’s why we prefer porting. There’s a bit of a tingle. I don’t like that gut-wrenching squashy feeling of apparating.   We tend to prefer to use it only in an emergency. Do you still have the medallions you were given.”
“Yes. Do you want them back? We were rather hoping to keep them a souvenirs.” Fenton fished his out from under his shirt and offered it to Harry.
“Put it back please. Make sure it’s touching your skin otherwise the charged thaums won’t work.”
“What’re thaums?”
“Units of magic. It’s how we measure our strength. With your charmed medallion it allows magical travel and some protection. They use-up some of our magical strength when we charge them; otherwise the girls couldn’t have side-alonged you.”
“Do you get it back?”
“Yes. Rather like you going hiking, you’re worn out at the end, but your body uses rest and food to rejuvenate you, doesn’t it?”
“Okay, so how do we get there?”
“By using a portal. It’s a sort of door. Magic has a way of altering space, either by squashing it or by enlarging it. Portals use the squashing thaums. If you want a technical description, I’m sure Hermione would let you attend the college course she’s running at our university. Although, whether you’ll understand the answer is another matter. I just accept the idea of squashing and expanding thaums, plus the flourishes and incantations that make them happen.”
“So, when do we leave?”
“Follow me, we’ll need to hand you through first time or you won’t see the doorway.”
Five minutes later Schnauzenhund was greeting them: “On your walk, to guide you, Gudrun would be most pleased, Harmeister; und Hans has ready, the grass-skis, for those who wish them. By the bottom pool, the luncheon picnic awaits the walkers. We will serve later, on the veranda, the energetic mages.”
“Thank you Schnauzenhund; that is most kind. You are aware of the changed status of Ginfurstin and Torfurstin.
“Yah, Harmeister, you and Drameister, proper spouses, have made of them. Kreacher Reeve, has us so informed. You, on your honeymoon, are?”
“That is correct.”
“The household Schwartzberg, to you all, our congratulations, offer. Upon your wedding day, a toast, Gesundheit, we drank.”
Draco and Harry opted for the walk as did Ginevra, Astoria, Hyatt and Fenton. It followed the approximate route the boys had taken when they frightened the chamois. This time they were more cautious and managed to watch them in their natural setting. They also saw the marmots, but there was no hungry bird trying to catch them. There was time, before eating to plunge into the pool.
“We’ve no swimming trunks,” Hyatt replied when the swim was suggested.
“No need to worry,” replied Ginevra: “We always swim in the buff.”
“What, all of you?”
“Yes.”
“Oh! Doesn’t that get awkward …I mean … Showing off your private bits?”
Astoria giggled: “If you stay with us, you’ll have to get used to it. We try and be as open as possible with each other. Casual nudity is symptomatic of that sincerity.”
“Do all magical people behave that way, then?”
“Far from it. The older generations are very uptight about things sexual. Probably as a result of so many arranged marriages. They understand the teenage rite-of-passage homosexuality, but frown severely on permanently gay relationships.”
“Ah! That explains things. We wondered why some of you married couples kept separate cabins. We knew that Harry and Draco were close mates. Do we suppose that you and Ginny are?”
“Quite correct. Now, are you coming swimming or not?”
Slightly bashfully Hyatt and Fenton stripped and jumped into the chilly pool. During that time they lost their bashfulness. Afterwards they had a demonstration of applied magic, when they were charmed dry by the two girls.
Following lunch, the six of them took the detour to take in the stupendous view over the valley to the range of mountains beyond. Gudrun led them back a different way, showing them more of the mountain flora.
Hans took the others to a slightly steeper slope that the one where they had practiced snow skiing. Dudley and Millicent fell a few times, obtaining a number of artistic green smears. However, they soon got the hang of balancing properly and thoroughly enjoyed their first assay into the sport. That is not to say that some of the others obtained viridian stains whilst they increased their prowess. The elves had provided the same kind of continuous rope in order to haul the merrymakers back up the slope. Some of that party also found out where the cows had been grazing on that patch; managing to smear themselves in bovine excrement. Although Scourgify removed the ordure, the smell seemed to linger. So, to ensure their continued cleanliness an outside shower was provided.
Over tea, joshing remarks were made by the participants. The walkers felt quite relieved that they had not indulged in those odiferous sporting activities. Afterwards they intended to avail themselves of the various bedrooms in order to rest before the evening’s activities.
###
That was interrupted by Lucy having another go at re-taking the Schwartzberg. As a result, the sages called in reinforcements, via the portals and the two Americans realised that the portal system was more extensive that they had previously thought. They also found out that not all mages were on the side of the light. Of course, there were some goblins who came and so the American pair’s magical education took another step forward when Hamish gave them a very brief glimpse into his community’s culture.
Draco’s father also had a surprise when so many defenders appeared. However, no communication took place because he could see he was outnumbered. The satraps retreated without any real fighting taking place.
###
Afterwards another question and answer session followed. This time the idea of offensive and defensive hexes and charms had to be expounded. Draco and Harry had to demonstrate the various ideas and made them visible. The two Americans thought that the girls were not into this kind of thing so Pansy and Millicent had a duel using as many multi-coloured spells as possible. To some extent it was a re-hash of the one that had earned Harry’s praise a few years ago.
Hermione gave them an explanation about wards.
“So, you’re saying that we’re under an invisible dome here.”
“Yes. Its proper name is a tholus. One that repels hexes and malcontent mages with mayhem on their minds. Those who are genuinely serious about studying the black arts are not affected, otherwise our university could not exist.” She told them about the two satraps who had recently been encapsulated when they made a new dome [without mentioning where it was].
~~~ THE BALL ~~~
Robbie and Bobby had laid out Harry’s and Draco’s Edwardian style evening clothes in their designated bedroom. The other elves had done so for the rest of the party, even managing to find outfits for the two Americans. Our two had a prolonged nap followed by a soothing shower before getting dressed and ambling down into the dining room.   Once they were all assembled the group ported to Grandmamma’s mansion.
Ginevra and Astoria had ported earlier and were standing in the reception line at the Grunrasenhof. There, Grandmamma was smiling secretly, Bronwyn was scowling, and Astoria appeared furious.
*What have we missed, Ginny?* Harry sent, as he and Draco fell into place.
G: *Mam only wanted Tor and Draco in the line-up, just family, she said. Tor did our usual ‘All or none’ reply and things became rather heated after that. Da managed to cool things down, by playing the Potter celebrity-status trump-card.*
Draco and Harry giggled and winked at Astoria, earning them a big Bronwyn scowl. Within a minute or so they had all plastered on welcoming smiles and were practicing inane pleasantries as their guests started to appear.
Quite a few guests were those from the two Italian bean-feasts, so Harry was less at sea; being able to continue previous conversations with them. He felt he was becoming more skilled at this kind of thing; and could feel Draco’s and Astoria’s approval through the link. Just as the line was about to dissolve the four train operators appeared; having spruced themselves up in their train and come by taxi. Draco and Harry spent a little time with them bringing them up-to-date.
Harry was very pleased that Grandmamma had invited Alicia and Hubert who had brought their daughter Zinnia along, it was her first formal function and she looked very nervous. The Major-domo had introduced them as Graf von Spiritsee and party, so Harry supposed that the others with Alicia and her parents were the titled ones. Hermione took a shine to Zinnia and with Ronald introduced the shy young girl to some more of the younger ones there. Soon Mr and Mrs Granger-Weasley were surrounded by a gaggle of laughing barely teenagers trying out the dances. At some point Grandmamma joined them and they disappeared into one of the many receiving rooms.
Viktor Krum and his wife were there also, plus a coterie of other Durmstrang ex-pupils; many of whom the Blakes had met during the Tri-wizard Tournament. The atmosphere was strained to start with, but after a few welcoming drinks things eased between the former students of both academies.
The evening was centred on the ballroom from which the strains of Strauss music emanated. The two Americans were much sought after by the unattached ladies, who saw them as possible lucrative prizes in the matrimonial stakes. Harry and Draco sympathised, having had much the same experiences at the Godric’s Hollow dances before they were fully claimed by Astoria and Ginevra.
Off the ballroom were a number of side rooms, each with different kinds of delightful refreshments available plus many comfortable chairs set at side-tables. The four Blakes mingled half in the side rooms and half in the ballroom; dancing diplomatically with various partners. Using the dance-me charm Harry acquitted himself reasonably well, feeling more approval from his two aristocratic partners.
Later on, Grandmamma caught up with Harry and Draco in the one of the dessert rooms.
“It’s quite curious; some of the well-connected guests called off at the very last minute.”
“Could they have possible satraps’ connections, Grandmamma?”
“Yes Harry, why do you ask?”
“When we were at the Schwartzberg, we managed to scare Lucy and his sycophants off. They may have been planning a raid on your party, like last time. Then again the continually updated wards here might have also worried them.”
“So-o-o ... Maybe those guests thought they were going to join in the attack. I half suspected that some of them were quite avaricious and the Grunrasenhof contains quite a few art treasures. Maybe they hoped to remove some. Thank you, my children, very well done. I shall be careful of inviting those people in future.”
Half an hour later Ignatius buttonholed Draco: “We’ve sorted out the itinerary slightly. We will not be needing the spare crew accommodation for the rest of the journey. Do you think Messrs Hyatt and Fenton would like to use that cabin?”
“I’m sure they would. How much more will it cost?”
“No extra charge, as before. We had allowed for feeding guests. Reeve Kreacher has brought us fresh supplies without being asked. Because you have used some of your resources for meals and entertainment, where we had budgeted for them, we reckon we’re about even.   We’d have had to feed the train-crew and launder their bed-linen so there’re no extras there either.”
“Very well, thank you for looking after us so well.”
“All part of the service, Milord,” Ignatius replied in a mocking tone: “Besides, we have developed some more contacts. Your Mother is thinking of bringing a party on board next year. The Zabini parents are also interested. And we have had three Austro/German bookings made tonight. It’s saved us quite a bit in promotional costs. We prefer word-of-mouth bookings, they’re ever so much more reliable.”
Draco appraised the other sages of the proposition and then took Hyatt and Fenton into his confidence about the possibility of a private cabin. They were very pleased.
“Not that we didn’t enjoy the experimentation, we do prefer our own way of doing things. As, no doubt, you and Harry do.”
“Seamus and Dean were fun too,” added Fenton, smiling lasciviously.
Just after eleven in the evening the group took taxis to the Westbahnhof in order to continue their journey. The Americans retired quickly to their new cabin; saying they were going to work off their frustrations from the attentions of all the Austrian girls.
~~~ SUNDAY SURPRISES ~~~
Wien WBF: 24.00 (Sat) München HBF: 06.30(Sun)
München HBF: 06.45 – Zürich: 11.15]
They arose just before arriving in Munich. The Duchessa’s chaplain had arranged for a Lutheran Minister to come on board at twenty-to seven. He looked severe in his all black uniform, quite different from the twinkly eyed Vasil of the Sunday previous. Astoria thought she could smell roses and made internal remarks about it.
“This is very convenient for me; my car had broken down and I would have had to catch some form of public transport to return to St. Gallen. Your offer was very timely.”
“I think it was the Spirit working again, Pastor.”
“Quite likely, Herr Potter, I’m continually surprised by her. That seems a good theme for our service, don’t you?”
Everyone nodded their agreement. Hyatt and Fenton looking somewhat surprised.
Draco found the service quite plain, the pastor talked about the gifts of the spirit, encouraging them in a Bible study about it. What was unexpected, though, was the form of the Eucharist afterwards. Instead of the usual wine and wafers the Pastor used the bread they were going to have for breakfast.
“Look at it this way.” The cleric suggested: “The last supper was just another meal for the disciples, Jesus turned into something special. So, we’ll use our breakfast food and the coffee as Christ might have done in our time.”
For Hyatt and Fenton, this was another new experience. They had been brought up in what they called the Bible-belt. Where everything was thee and thou, plus a rigid adherence to the flat-earth principles of Genesis. Their schooling had soon enlightened them as to the realities of evolution and the earth’s relative insignificance in the cosmic universe. So, they had opted out of the belief system. The Pastor was a realist and managed to show how Biblical stories told of a loving creator, not a mechanical inventor, and who used stories to reveal hidden truths. Coupled with the loving atmosphere surrounding them they admitted that they were having another re-think.
What happened was very moving so that the following breakfast was eaten in heightened spirituality and enjoyment of the increasingly exciting scenery on the approach to Switzerland. The friends wished their mentor well when he alighted at St. Gallen and asked him to give their regards to his flock.
~~~ LUNCH ~~~
Zürichsee Shiffstation: 12.30 – Rapperswil Shiffstation: 14.20
In Zürich the short walk from the platforms to the quay added an edge to their appetite. A paddle steamer awaited, and they were conducted to the upper first-class saloon. Crisp white tablecloths, shining silver and glistening glassware greeted them, as did the friendly serving-staff.
A leisurely three course luncheon was served as the steamer paddled its luxurious way along Zürichsee. The party enjoyed the meal and the gorgeous surrounding scenery. The ladies admired the many lake-side houses and their pretty gardens; whilst the men-folk had time to gaze at the beautifully kept steam-machinery with its horizontal cylinders driving the cranks of the paddles.
At the other end of the lake, in Rapperswil, a short walk around the harbour and under the road had them in the railway station, where their carriages awaited.
~~~ SWISS SCENERY ~~~
Rapperswil: 14.45 – Luzern: 16.00
Luzern: 16.15 – Bern: 18.10
Bern: 18.25 – Interlaken 19.20
They passed from the awesome mountain scenery to attain the more pastoral views around the Swiss capital. Then they turned south, returning to the grandeur of the Alps. In the terminal at Interlaken the carriages were allotted a quiet side platform for the night. An early dinner had been served as soon as the carriages left Bern; thus, the party were free as soon as the train was securely berthed.
On one side, across the platforms, there were views of the Brienzersee Shiffstation on its short connecting river. On the other side, over the flat green fields, were views of the moonlit Jungfraujoch peeking out from between her darker flanking mountains. As there was an almost full moon shining and the air was balmy; the combination called the couples out for a romantic walk through the fields to the shores of the Brienzersee. They found a beerkellar on the way and sat awhile, drinking suitable refreshments and listening to the local Swiss yodelling choir; all suitably dressed in lederhosen. It reminded the Blake quartet of a former dance in Godric’s Hollow.
The result was that Harry and Draco were in a very mellow mood when they retired to their double bed. Most of the others were in similar frames of mind.
~~~ MONDAY 23^RD AUGUST ~~~
The sun shone brightly, Jungfraujoch beckoned her pristine white finger and the party succumbed to her lure. They boarded a narrow-gauge train to Lauterbrunnen, having a quick look at the high lace-like waterfall there. A rack-railway took them up to Kleine Scheidegg where they partook coffee in the wood walled restaurant. They heard an occasional rumbling sound whilst drinking and, upon investigation, found out that there was a nearby active ice-fall in a glacier. A much steeper rack took them up inside the mountain until the summit station was reached.
The views were stupendous, and the cold air added to their appetite. In the summit restaurant an enormous caquelon of fondue sat in the centre of their lunch table. Using special long-handled forks, they skewered multitudinous cubes of bread and dipped them into the communal pot.
Two o’clock had them returning through the rocky galleries to Kleine Scheidegg. This time they returned by an alternative route; catching tram-like trains to Grindelwald for a short look around the quaint township. Another rack and adhesion railway had them back at Interlaken Ostbahnhof. Once aboard their private carriages they set-off balcony-first towards Basel. They took a different route into Bern which resulted in a reversal there and coming out in the normal formation for the rest of that journey.
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