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Awakening To the Dream	By : ChimaeraChan Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 45316 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-CH1
- 2-CH2
- 3-CH3
- 4-CH4
- 5-CH5
- 6-CH6
- 7-CH7
- 8-Ch8
- 9-Ch9
- 10-Ch10
- 11-CH11
- 12-CH12
- 13-CH13
- 14-CH14
- 15-CH15
- 16-CH16
- 17-CH17
- 18-CH18
- 19-Ch19
- 20-CH20
- 21-CH21
- 22-Ch22
- 23-CH23
- 24-CH24
- 25-CH25
- 26-CH26
- 27-CH27
- 28-CH28
- 29-CH29
- 30-CH30
- 31-CH31
- 32-CH32
- 33-CH33
- 34-CH34
- 35-CH35
- 36-CH36
- 37-CH37
- 38-CH38
- 39-CH39
- 40-CH40
- 41-Ch41
- 42-Ch42
- 43-Ch43
- 44-Ch44
- 45-Ch45
- 46-Ch46
- 47-Ch47
- 48-Ch48
- 49-Ch49
- 50-Ch50 *End Part 1*
- 51-Ch51
- 52-Ch52
- 53-Ch53
- 54-Ch54
- 55-Ch55
- 56-CH56
- 57-CH57
- 58-CH58
- 59-CH59
- 60-CH60
- 61-CH61
- 62-CH62
- 63-CH63
- 64-CH64
- 65-CH65
- 66-CH66
- 67-CH67 *New 6/6/2015*
- 68-CH68
- 69-CH69
- 48
- 49
- 50
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Ch49

“The barrier will have to be taken down.” Harry said once again, his headache growing as Loxton went into another tangent of how that wasn’t possible. He had been trying to settle this one little point since Tuesday, it was now Thursday morning and he’d had just about enough of Loxton’s stalling. “I don’t care; the barrier has to be taken down for the day. There can be no sign of ill will and that barrier is a glowing blue beacon of mistrust against the whole world.”
“I fully understand your position here, Sire, but I have a responsibility to the people of White Towers.” Loxton smiled regally from his seat and spread his arms wide. “You cannot expect me to open up this castle to every enemy that wishes you harm. There are children here, innocents; I cannot in clear conscious leave the barrier open.”
Harry took a calming breath. He knew exactly what Loxton was going for. He could force the man, taking the blame on himself if anything went wrong, or he could back off and end up looking weak. He had every intention of taking responsibility of any problems that arose, but something told him that saying it aloud was like handing Loxton a free pass to cause mischief. “Chancellor, I will destroy the barrier myself, likely beyond repair, if it is not down tomorrow at dawn. My enemies are my responsibility, as are their actions to any innocents around me. My coronation is a symbol of peace and good will among all races of the world; the effect is fully ruined if those races cannot come and go as they please.”
“…It is clear I am fully against this?”
“Quite clear, Chancellor. If we could move on?”
“The run-through of the ceremony this afternoon; I was told you wouldn’t be able to attend.”
“My day is full.” He was sure he would regret it later if he ended up looking like a fool amidst all the Clans represented, but he really was pressed for time. He needed to get his little group prepared for, well, everything before he left that Sunday. They were taking to it quickly, although Helena and Clive were rather a lost cause at the moment. The best laid plans and all that rot… At least Stratford was ready with the right mindset now that his wife’s health was quickly improving. Margaret’s guided exritus had gone very smoothly since both parties had been willing and prepared. With Helena back safe and sound, Marjory was practically civil towards him. Admittedly, Lesley and Christien were a tad distractible recently, but given their well-honed abilities of multitasking, he was pretty lenient about it.
“Perhaps you would prefer to have a run-through tomorrow morning? It couldn’t hurt to be prepared; and the director of ceremonies will likely not have an anxiety attack that way. Pamela is very high-strung about these things.”
“Err… sure. Why not?” Harry waved it off. “Oh, that reminds me; who will be performing as the Ancient Mother? There are standards that must be followed strictly. If the girl is found unworthy during the ceremony, it will be quite an embarrassment for all parties involved.”
“Not to worry; I’ve seen to the selection myself. The young maiden is from Aesalon’s line and well regarded among her clan. You should have no problem with her.”
Harry scrunched his nose; the Aesalons had been quite renowned for taking to animagus form at the most inappropriate times. Hopefully that had changed over the years. “We’ll see. The house elves know to use the Blacknight place settings with the Ruby glassware? Oh, and the curtains have to be changed and—”
Loxton interrupted gracefully. “They are informed and in the midst of getting everything ready. It’s all taken care of, Sire. You’re really only needed to do your part in the ceremony tomorrow and converse with guests; anything beyond that would look poorly upon the staff here. We are more than adept in taking care of your coronation.”
“Yes, well, I tend to want to make sure things are on track…” Harry rose from his seat, ruffling a hand through his hand. “Like I said, I have a full schedule today. You know how to reach me if anything comes up, Rowland. Unless there’s anything else…?”
Loxton rose as well, setting his breakfast dishes aside for the house elves to deal with. “If you could let me borrow Christien for a moment? The Magistrate will need to deal with the barrier and the consequential change of guard because of it.”
Harry nodded. “If I see him, I’ll send him your way. You’ll likely find him haunting Lesley’s steps anyways.” He left with a wink, hoping the man would focus on the implied innuendo instead of the obvious fact that he had been monopolizing the Magistrate’s time the last few days. Right now he was off to check on Helena and see what he could learn from her. He also had the unhappy job of giving her an update on her condition he really wasn’t looking forward to.
Helena was up, watching the sun rise as she drank her morning cup of tea. She was more coherent than before, but still a little flighty. Or maybe that was just Helena’s personality. She was dressed in a black and white ruffled dress, her dark red hair in cute ringlets, and wearing long gloves and patent leather shoes to help add to the illusion of a living doll. If she was any taller, it might not have worked, but at five feet two, he was having a hard time seeing her as the thirty one year old woman she was. The other councilors had not been surprised yesterday when she had come in wearing something similar, so he could only assume this was common attire for the witch.
“Good morning, Ms. Dominé. You’re looking quite frilly today.” Harry placed the two remaining Danishes Lesley had thoughtfully smuggled in for him on the small glass table Helena had set up on her veranda. Breakfast with Helena was far more desirable than anything with Rowland.
“I’m feeling quite frilly today, at that. Tea?” At Harry’s nod, Helena poured him a cup. “But please, call me Helena.”
“Alright.” Harry took a sip of his tea, unable to stop a smile as he caught sight of Helena’s nails. They were long and narrow, and she had painted them, each nail containing a small moving picture. “What is that? It’s somewhat familiar.”
“Oh, are you a fan of Japanese pop culture? They’re anime characters commonly associated with Gothic Lolita. This one is my favorite.” She pointed to her thumbnail where a sweet looking girl with blood dripping fangs sat in a graveyard. “The girl reminds me of Marjory, not that Margie would ever admit the resemblance. She’s very stubborn at times, as sweet as she is.”
It didn’t take much for Harry to imagine. “You like vampires then?”
“My, yes! It’s in my blood—the real ones, not those vicious ghouls the Ministry prints as real. Don’t get me started on that; they tried to disinherit my whole line with that drivel. Did you know only ten years back we had wizards— fully grown, intelligent wizards— come to my cousin’s house and try to stake the whole family?! It was horrible. No one was injured, thankfully, but my grandfather nearly had an anxiety attack from it all, and Trixy’s garden was completely trampled beyond repair.” She pouted prettily, her sweet exterior unable to surpass anything further in the resemblance of anger.
“Then it may please you to know that there will be a removal of such misinformation and a proper printing once I’ve gotten settled in.” Harry sat back, finding his headache waning in the crisp morning air and comfortable company. He’d not had much experience in socializing with such a proper woman; the party last Sunday, and the Yule Ball fourth year were probably the only two times. Helena had the airs and manners of a lady, without the horribly boring mindlessness, or worse, cattiness, which seemed to come along with high-class society.
He imagined his mother would have been like Helena when socializing, easy going and yet perfectly dainty all at the same time…perhaps a little more outspoken. From Sirius and Remus’ description, his mother was not one to just let injustice go unchallenged. It made him wonder what life had been for Draco, growing up with a mother like Narcissa. The boy obviously adored his mother, and his own glimpse into her true side had shown she was deserving of it. At first sight she seemed quite cold though…
“So, you’re really him, then? I suppose I expected you to be darker.”
“Huh?” Harry turned back to Helena and the conversation that had apparently gotten away from him. “Darker?”
“The Soul of the Ancient Night; I just naturally assumed.” She shrugged lightly.
“Errr, I suppose that makes sense… I do make portals of darkness.” Harry confided.
Helena placed her teacup down on her plate, her expression one of apt interest. “Now that’s something. Would you…?” She waved her hand around to explain.
“Well, I suppose. I’m afraid the view will be ruined momentarily.”
“I don’t mind, dear. It’s not everyday I get a showing by the Heir, after all.”
Harry nodded, closing his eyes and calling the darkness. It was there within him, as it had always been, but now he could feel it pulsing wild and still all at the same time right beneath his skin. It was born of Chaos after all, so it wasn’t so strange that it was always different when he called. Throwing his arm out, he let the power channel through and fill the area around, until they were surrounded by a large sphere of darkness.
“I suppose it wouldn’t be that impressive for most to look at, but we’re actually in another dimension. Spells, time, power; it all works differently here. This dimension can also be used as a pathway to the outer realms, but only those with the proper strength can actually exist in the realms without their bodies being torn apart.”
“No, it’s very impressive.” Helena said breathily. “I can feel the different flows of magic… and time—it’s amazing.” She tilted her head thoughtfully. “It’s rather comforting almost… like coming home.”
Harry smiled, pulling the darkness back until the sun was shining red in the sky again. “We are all born in darkness, and darkness we shall return.” He said simply, lowering his arm and returning to his tea.
“Full circle.” Helena turned her eyes to the sky, reacquainting herself with the flows of magic in the natural realm. “…That was why I left, wasn’t it? Balance was off. Two portals had been open.”
“Two?” Harry eyes widened in surprise. “Do you know where, or more importantly, to where?”
Helena shook her head. “One had been opened months ago. I’m told it was the Domin. The other…” She narrowed her eyes in thought as she searched her memory. “The other was recent, not even two weeks ago. I was just on my way to feel it out when I was sent away to the Arc Fault. You know, the land was rather hostile towards me. Quite the surprise really, given my blood… but I guess it’s been like that for ages and I just never knew.”
Harry slumped forward, letting his mind wander. Another portal was good reason to kill someone if they had the means to decipher it. But what the hell did Loxton care about that? He seemed the type to want to use Helena just for that reason, not dispose of her… unless he already knew the source of the portal and wanted to keep it secret. Was Loxton interested in the Domin? He doubted they’d be open to negotiations when they were neck deep fighting off Tom. Maybe he was looking for deamons, or some mercenary Fae to do his dirty work for him. It could be something as simple as having a monopoly on the only open gate in the realm. Portals were an infinitive source of opportunity for the ambitious, and the desperate; well the desperate would take out anyone in their path.
“Before I forget, how did the Gryphons respond? Am I suitable to care for them?” Helena asked. Since Clive was out of commission indefinitely, someone had to be sure the Gryphons were taken care of. The moment she had seen them, she had wanted the job. They were beautiful beings, and intelligent too. She could learn so much from them.
“Yes, they have both taken a liking to you… Don’t tell them I said that though. They will stubbornly say otherwise and snub us both for weeks because of it.” They shared a smile, which only made Helena’s next question all the more awkward.
“And my test results?”
Harry hesitated, not quite sure how to approach the subject. Honesty was likely the best way, as painful as it was to hear. He took a deep breath and started. “I’m afraid your memory is not quite how it used to be. I truthfully don’t know what the long-term effects will be, but I don’t think it is proper or respectful to keep the truth from you.”
“I see…” Biting her lip, Helena placed her hands flat on the table before her. “If you would please be so respectful? And frank, I think.”
Harry nodded understandingly. “You remember yesterday, when Marjory and I asked you all those questions about everyday life, and your past? Well, Marjory says there are some holes. She’s known you a while, ever since you were both kids, and she seems to think that you’ve lost, well, a lot, I’m afraid.
“Now, the Sorfen— that’s the name of the creatures that attacked you— they feed on emotion. Unfortunately, human emotion is tied very closely to our memories. Like I said, there has been no precedence for this since the Sorfen do not dwell among the human population. You are the first recorded survivor that I’m aware of. The memory loss may only be temporary; your system has taken a great shock after all… There is also the possibility that it will be permanent.”
Helena’s hands started to tremble, so Harry carefully reached across the table and pulled them into his own. “I’m afraid there is more. There is a great possibility that your mind is in fact perfectly fine and the real damage is on a different level. Jacques and I have been discussing some theories and your memory problems could be the result of emotional scarring. This could mean in future days you may become erratic, or depressed… or completely unhinged.” Harry fell silent, letting the woman absorb the knowledge in peace.
He really didn’t know what to say; it seemed horrible to lose one’s memory. It was such an integral part, like losing a piece of your soul. But he was also the Heir, and his current memory was merely a fragment of the true being that he was. In a way, all mortals were just fragments of their true selves as they dwelled in physical form. But he had also recently gone through the fear of losing the spark that made him who he was, and he could fully sympathize with Helena.
“Now, Jacques assures me that either way, there are treatments. At this very moment a search party is out to acquire a Sorfen specimen to begin experiments and dissection. We will try to get in touch with the local clans out there and see if they know anything about medicinal treatments. No one is giving up on you, Helena. Your friends and family will still be there for you, and you are more than welcome to continue your work here once you’ve had a few days to rest. We will do everything we can for you, and if no solution can be found than there is always the option of summoning up your Soul Form.”
“…My Soul Form? What good would that do?” Helena’s normally bright blue eyes had lost some of their sparkle, making Harry determined to somehow get it back.
“Well, a lot of things. It may not be able to restore your memories if they have indeed been feed upon and lost to you, but a successful exritus will fix any emotional damage. Your Soul Form is your true self, allowed to soar. It will know the proper coding and be able to fix any problems of balance in you. The only thing a Soul Form cannot fix is any damage to your Soul itself, but I’ve seen no signs of such damage to you. But, I would like to keep this as a last resort. You are unbalanced right now, and any unbalance during an exritus is a quick path to death or deformity. I’d like you to wait, and see if at first the problem doesn’t work itself out on its own. Jacques will keep a close watch on you, and if it looks like you’re spiraling towards an emotional break, we’ll work from there, either with treatments or the transformation, given the situation.”
Helena sighed, her gaze drifting out into the faint mountains in the distance. “This is challenging… Nothing I do will have an effect on the outcome, will it? I can only sit back and let things take their course.”
“There are people here that care for you greatly. They’ll be fighting for you, where you cannot. You’re not on your own.”
“…You’re a sweet thing.” Helena squeezed Harry’s hand with a grateful smile before letting go completely. “Would you mind terribly if I asked to be alone? I’d like to be able to think for awhile.”
“Not at all.” Harry rose from his seat. “Obsidian will still be guarding your door, just incase you have a problem. Of course, you’re always welcome to come and listen in on today’s meeting in the Hall of Peace. And Marjory should be by in an hour or so, alright?”
“Yes, that will be fine.”
“I’ll see you later then, Helena.” Harry left the woman, knowing once he stepped free of the veranda, her smile would have already faded. It left him wondering what would have happened if he had never made it to the Council. Would Loxton have let the woman continue her work or would he still have sent her to her death? It was senseless to take the blame at this point, but he couldn’t help feeling partially responsible for the woman’s current condition.
*******
Head full of thoughts of the upcoming meeting, it took a moment for Harry to notice he wasn’t alone in the hallway anymore. He had seen Ged a few times in passing that morning actually, and he couldn’t help but wonder if it wasn’t that coincidental after all.
“Good morning, Ged.” He smiled at the Elite Enforcer coming down the hall, nodding politely. He expected the man to do the same, but instead the half faerie stopped and bowed, looking quite serious at that. “Umm, that’s really not necessary.”
“Sire, if I could have a word?” Ged asked, and now Harry knew there was a problem because the Enforcers did most of their talking with the Magistrate. Oh bugger… Well, he was going to late, nothing more to it.
Harry glanced back in the direction he had come; there was no one in sight. He crooked his finger at the Enforcer and led him towards a dusty room down the hall. There really were too many dusty rooms in White Towers now that he thought about it. What was the point of the current army of house elves employed at White Towers if they couldn’t clean the rooms once in a while? “What the…?” He lifted his foot, some sort of slimy substance stuck on his boot. Draco’s boot. Draco’s immaculate boot that he had already scuffed the toe of.
“Honestly, do the house elves clean at all?” He sighed, wiping the side of his boot on the nearest chair. He could not have his guests walking in filth. “So, what’s up; death threats, bomb scare, army of trolls approaching? I doubt you could surprise me at this point.”
Ged coughed, standing up straighter. “First, I would like to apologize for using your title to help sway Cred Balten in releasing Ms. Dominé. It was careless of me to let such information slip when I did not have permission.”
Harry waved his hand impatiently; the bloody slime was not coming off. “Don’t worry about it. Let’s face it; the Council’s status among the sentient clans would have likely gotten all of you killed if faced with the wrong being. Now, let’s hear what you really want to tell me.” Gods be damned, was it spreading?! “Hey, do you have a handkerchief or something? This is positively foul.”
Searching into his back pocket, Ged handed over a blue handkerchief. “Err… you can keep it, Sire.” He raised a brow at the slime that was quite clearly trying to escape Harry’s attempts of catching it. When was the last time the castle had gotten a thorough cleaning? “Anyways, Sire, I didn’t really know whom to turn to with this. Usually I would have told the Magistrate, but if this is what I think it is, I think the fewer that know the better. Christien’s a good man, you know? But sometimes he acts too rashly, right, and he would really end up over his head with this, even though he’ll probably fry me for not—”
“Relax, Ged. It’s cool; just relax.” Harry proceeded to drop the slimy handkerchief and grind it with the heel of his boot. The noise of protest was surprising. “Christien doesn’t have to hear this from me. Just, don’t freak out on me, okay? I’ve had enough of that this week.” He smiled gently, glad to see the Enforcer visibly relax. “So, you were saying?”
“Yeah, uh, well…” Ged stopped and scratched the bridge of his nose, his gaze trailing to the side. “I had a talk with Balten before he had left, and it got me thinking. It was just too much of a coincidence, and I just knew… but yeah… So, yesterday I decided to do some investigating. Not all of us can pass it, you know, but I’ve grown up beside the sentient clans. I know how to make it among them… I know how to get the right information…”
“And that info would be…?” Harry urged when the man made no signs of continuing.
Ged swallowed, gripping the back of his neck and meeting Harry’s gaze. “I have confirmation from seven different sources, ranging from three different unrelated Clans. This is trouble Sire, real trouble, and I don’t know if saying it aloud will do anything but get me killed. There’s just no way it can be false.”
Harry sighed, not liking the sound of this at all. If an Elite Enforcer was this worked up, then it had to be something big. “Sit down, Ged. Have some water.” He conjured up a glass of water for the man and went to the door to shut, lock and shield it. He came back and sat next to Ged, letting the man take his time.
“Balten had said something in passing… I don’t think he even knew what it meant really. He had laughed and remarked something on the lines of how surprised he was that the Chancellor looked so human; that when Loxton was with the Clans he had been in a Soul Form… You see, there had always been rumors that Loxton had another form that he glamoured away with the dark arts. Even if it’s true, no one would think he’d have been out with the Clans; he’s been loud about his want of destroying the magical sentient clans before he even made Chancellor. But… well, I had heard about a being with his description before in Crane, a few weeks back.”
Crane, that was a fairly large village, a trading post of sorts for the sentient Clans. Humans were allowed there as long as they knew proper etiquette, but mostly only the ones dealing in the darker trades found there way there. “Alright, so he was there. I’ve yet to see a big cause for alarm.”
“Uh… well, he was meeting a friend. This friend— I couldn’t believe it really— but I heard that there were three other incidences where these two were found meeting in private…”
“Ged, my patience only lasts so long. Spit it out.”
Ged shook his head anxiously, made to write it down, shook himself again, and finally decided to lean in and whisper it into Harry’s ear.
“…Are you certain?”
Ged nodded, clutching his hands into fists until his knuckles turned white.
Harry blinked and sat back in his chair. Well, it may explain the whole portal thing… “So, you’re suggesting that, from what you have heard… the man with the golden smile is in cahoots with my brother?”
“Man with the golden…? That’s rather clever, actually.”
“See, I knew my nicknames weren’t that bad! …Uh, but anyways, focus, Ged. Is that what you’re saying?”
“I’m afraid so, Sire.” Ged said somberly. “That’s why I had to come to you. One of the first laws is that the Council cannot have any contact with the E-Exault, certainly not in secret like that. It’s the highest treason, and I have very little to go on but hearsay and rumors. For all we know, he’s conspiring to—”
Harry raised a hand. “Don’t say it. Everyone is thinking it but they’re kind enough not to say it in my presence.” He was not going to die that week; he was not going to die! “Now, on your excursions, did you happen to hear mention of a portal, or gateway, in connection to our smiling man?”
“Uhh, not that I can think of… There was supposedly an exchange at some point; wrapped tight in a cloth, no bigger than your fist. Other than that, a lot of shady talk, I guess. I’m sorry I can’t be of any greater help. I could go out and interrogate the witnesses more thoroughly, if you like.”
“No, it’s too long of a journey; I need you all rested and alert for tomorrow.” What to do…? “Have you all gotten stronger armor from the armory, like I instructed yesterday?”
“Yes, Sire, although a few of the bigger ones are having a hard time finding a fit.”
“Talk to Knack, the seamstress’ house elf. He may be able to help you out there. I think for now… I want the wards around the seats where the guest will be sitting to be doubled. If the Exault show up, there isn’t much any of us can do about it, but if we can protect as many innocents as possible than that is what we’re going to do. It seems unlikely that they would attack my coronation; La Lune never started anything until he was sure I was well settled, and ready for a fight… Still, it has been a long time…”
“Actually, Sire, I was thinking of the old surveillance system.”
Harry’s eyes widened, and he laughed aloud, taking to his feet. “Of course! That’s a perfect idea, Ged. We’ll be able to see them coming miles before they get here. All right, I’m leaving that to you then. If Christien asks, tell him I gave the okay. …Oh, and everyone’s in dress uniform tomorrow. Don’t forget.”
“Yes, Sire.” Ged stood with a salute, watching the boy leave. It was perhaps a little unnerving that after delivering his very bad news, the Heir was humming a tune, and practically skipping down the hall. Had he maybe blown it out of proportion in his head? Loxton was working with the Heir’s greatest enemy in the hopes of killing him, and Harry brushed it off like it was nothing.
*******
Harry was not happy to learn that Loxton had been so directly connected with La Lune. Nor was he happy to hear that he was likely going to be attacked tomorrow, surveillance system or not. But, he was happy, and for a completely different reason.
Ten minutes ago, while Ged was trying to crush all hope with his dismal mood and news, he had felt Malfoy. And he had said hello.
Life was good.
Draco was learning how to overcome that stupid collar and there was only tomorrow and the weekend to go until he could see the boy again. Furiae was right; it didn’t have to be weird if he didn’t let it become so. So what if he might want to kiss him? It didn’t mean he had to. It didn’t have to mean anything at all. They were friends, and that was awesome enough alone. He didn’t have to fuck that up with stupid emotions that were probably some side effect of… of… Hell, the summer wasn’t even officially over and he had suffered through a lifetime, and then some of chaotic shit.
He continued to hum the Puddlemere United quidditch team’s anthem; Ron would have been positively livid with him if he ever heard him, but it was a damn catchy song.
“Umm, Harry? You’ve been standing there for about five minutes now, your final words being, ‘time is of the essence.’ Would you care to elaborate or should we just leave?” Lesley smiled sweetly, and proceeded to chuck a balled up piece of paper at him.
The ball froze inches from Harry’s humming face and Harry flicked it back Lesley’s way. “I’m being happy, so shut up.” The paper landed squarely in the man’s blue ponytail and Harry started humming louder until he finished the last bars of the song. Granted, it sounded much better on the wizard radio, but he was sure the flinching around the table was at least partially exaggerated.
“Alright, yesterday we went over what I know about the Domin’s recent interference and the little we could do about Voldemort at this time. We broke for lunch, found out Christien was allergic to Erumpent milk the hard way, moped a bit about the futility of the future of wizard kind, and then finished up with me telling stories from my vague memories of being the Heir in the past. Today I had planned on more explanations with my family and their rituals, but that will have to wait for Saturday because something new has come to my attention.
“So, what do you lot know about the Exault?” Another round of flinching took the table, but this time Harry was pretty sure it was purely genuine. “That much, huh? Well, forgive me if I repeat information, but it seems the Chancellor has been doing business with them, and we shall have to be prepared for the worst.”
“Hold on, hold on—Rowland is working with them?!”
Harry sighed, placing a calming hand to Christien’s shoulder. “There’s no point getting worked up about it. There are certainly ways to prepare, and I will be teaching them to you immediately. I do not intend to let any of you fall into their clutches.”
Well, the best place was the beginning, he supposed. “I guess a quick history to start out. As you all well know, the Exault are La Lune’s personal army. Two hundred thousand years ago, La Lune decided to get my attention by creating an army, its numbers consisting of ten leaders and six hundred and fifty six soldiers. Now, there’s some rubbish legend about how the Exault were originally created to oversee the balance of the world—a possibility since they are more than capable, but really, it was to piss the current Heir off…Err, me off. We had been fighting and La Lune decided he wanted to establish himself as a leader among the mortals of Earth… to piss me off…” The more he looked back on it, the more he realized his relationship with La Lune had not been exactly healthy.
“Anyways, I created the Domin, two for each one Exault. Not because the Exault were as strong as two; one Domin is more than powerful enough to subdue a soldier Exault. It was to prove that my powers fully dominated my brother’s in every sense… umm; we really weren’t in a good place back then.” He scrunched his nose thoughtfully. “So, for ages the Exault and half the Domin force have been in the shadow realm, my creations keeping the Exault from getting loose and causing problems. The Exault leaders, the ones that have a history of causing trouble, were allowed their freedom in exchange for La Lune’s promise that he would never again try to rule over the Earth in any way.
“Like I told you yesterday, I put Zunseht, my half brother from Furiae’s side, in charge of the Domin. But he had other responsibilities to deal with, and his time with the Domin became so limited that eventually he lost power… hence the issue now concerning them. I never created a hierarchy within the Domin; I wanted them to figure it out for themselves. Apparently Tom has messed that up. Now, from what my senses are telling me, and since Furiae has yet to mention it, I’m pretty sure the Domin are still keeping to their original task of subduing the Exault main force. Their other task, watching and regulating the magics of Earth, has obviously been neglected for centuries.”
Harry paused and looked around. “Questions about anything I’ve mentioned so far?”
“What happens if the main force of the Exault break free?” Stratford asked.
“I, or my Domin, will kill them. Those rules were set up when it all began. I would allow La Lune’s creations to live indefinitely as long as they were confined to the shadow realm and supervised by my Domin. They actually get along quite well together.”
“That is woefully confusing.” Lesley chirped.
“Not really.” Harry said with a shrug. “Our creations reflect our true souls. As much of a pain La Lune likes to be, beneath it all he’s loyal to me, as are his creations.”
Christien and Lesley exchanged quiet looks, Christien finally pursing his lips and asking, “So, just what does an Exault Domin hybrid look like? This shadow realm must be bursting full with offspring of all the happy couples.”
Harry narrowed his eyes at the pair. The two of them had decided it was their duty to keep him from getting too ‘gloomy-doomy,’ as Lesley put it. He had allowed them to hang out in his room for the night; they had insisted he have some sort of personal guard since he had let Helena borrow Obsidian for the time being. It would have been fine if the two would’ve just shut up for five minutes. If it wasn’t them talking about their new lovey-doveyness, than it was crass jokes and innuendo. When the topic had turned to Clive’s new Soul Form and how Harry basically now ruled over him, and how that must lead to a very interesting relationship, Harry had threatened to make them sleep out in the hall if they didn’t shut their mouths and let him sleep already.
“For your information, they’re completely adorable, especially during their first hundred years when their wings are still small. And I’d prefer if you didn’t make fun of them, you bloody tossers. …Any serious questions?”
The group exchanged glances. Marjory cleared her throat lightly. “So seriously, that would make you a grandfather how many hundreds of times over?”
“…You all suck, you know that?” He couldn’t keep a straight face for long though and joined in the laughter, leaning back against the table. It was good that they could laugh together; it was therapeutic when faced with so many seemingly impossible challenges. The group dynamic had changed significantly last Tuesday with Helena’s return. Whatever the reason, he was relieved it had come about. He needed these people, and he needed them to be able to work together harmoniously if they were going to become the leading force of the Council of Wizards. In his heart of hearts, he knew these people could change the entire world for the better, if he was alive to help or not.
Not that he was planning on dieing anytime soon.
“I think I’ll save question-time for the end, thank you everyone. I’m going to go over the formalities of approach and basic conversation with the Exault.”
“A moment, please, Sire.” Helena carefully raised her hand. “Forgive me if I’m being ignorant, but couldn’t you just send the Domin to subdue these troublesome Exault leaders? A successful preemptive attack could be just what you need to sound out your rebirth and return to power on Earth.”
“Now that is a very good idea.” Christien agreed, his mind kicking into Enforcer mode. “Such a show of power would not only be a great symbol for the clans worldwide, but also send a message to your brothers that you are indeed still the dominant force, newborn or not.”
Harry nodded, seeing what they were getting at. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a possibility. “It is a very good idea, but I’m afraid things aren’t quite as simple. For one, I have no intention of using the Domin at this time. I want Tom to think he has some sort of control over them, so I’ll have the element of surprise when I do call them to action. Secondly, my brothers don’t work the way you’re thinking. If I were to attack the Exault without them making a move first, I would be sending a clear message that I’m ready to enforce my rule over my family. I’m not. Voldemort, the guy currently terrorizing the wizarding world, he’s my warm-up. Once I take him out and have a century or so of growth in this flimsy human body, then we’ll talk about my brothers.”
“…Are you saying that, at this moment you cannot um, defend yourself from your brothers?” A heavy silence fell among the small group, their unspoken fears clear in each mind.
“How do I explain…?” Harry smiled weakly, pushing himself from the table to pace around. “You don’t understand the game, really. My brothers would never attack me in a manner that I could not overcome. Perhaps if I were foolish enough to misjudge my power and initiate a fight I could not have a hope of winning, they would, but that would be on my head. If any of my family were to be the cause, indirect or not, of my premature demise, the penalty would be atrocious. I have come back to do an important job, and there is a certain line to how far the game can interfere with it. Myself, or worse, Furiae, would have to punish them quite severely for interrupting my current lifespan… All these years, there have yet to be any transgressors.” Harry turned and spread his arms wide.
“The human form I inhabit can only channel so much of my natural energy. It takes years until I can let more of myself flow without the possibility of destroying my body and inevitably, a large portion of the galaxy. So, they don’t push me, and I don’t get in their business until we’re both good and ready to deal with the consequences. We play our little games instead, and since they have no regard for human emotion, I get scarred a different way while they kill off those around me and don’t feel a bloody thing… Moving on…
“Now, the Exault do not follow the same rules as my family when they greet. Although much loved by my brother, they are creations, not true family, so they must act like such when interacting in La Lune’s name. They are… Wha—What?” Harry sighed as five hands rose simultaneously.
“Well, I think I speak for all of us when I say that we’re not going to let you just gloss over that again, young man.” Stratford said, looking rather stern.
Marjory nodded. “It’s just not such a casual thing that you can mention in passing.”
Harry looked at them blankly, not sure what they were talking about. “…My creations?”
Lesley groaned. “Your emotional scarring, Harry. We’re concerned about you, you dolt. If only you could see your face when you mention how the people around you are killed. It’s like… like…”
“An abandoned kitten.”
“Lost child.”
“Kicked puppy.”
Rolling his eyes skyward, Harry wondered just what he had done to deserve this. “Could we please focus? I’m trying to prepare you.”
“Sire, forgive me once again, but they are correct. Out of the short time I’ve known you, there have been these times that I’ve looked at you and all I can see is a very lonely, very lost little boy, with responsibilities that do not take your human aspect into consideration.”
“I, uh…” Helena refused to look away, and he didn’t know how to respond. He wasn’t used to having such obvious concern directed towards him. It was unsettling. “I don’t know what you want me to say… This is the way it is.”
“Harry love, we just want you to be happy and healthy.” Lesley reached out and snagged Harry’s limp hand, pulling him towards his seat. Harry wouldn’t meet his eyes though, the boy studying his boots instead. “It’s not our intention to put you on the spot here. Like you told us, quite bluntly at that, it is our fault that you’ve been thrown into this so soon. You’re getting memories and responsibilities dumped on you all at once; you need an adjustment period to make sure you’re okay. Your body has done wonders healing itself, but other things, like all that emotional pain you’ve been feeling, needs more time to work itself out. You’re going back to school in a few days and we just want to make sure that you use that time wisely.”
Why the hell did he have to look at him like that, all bloody caring and sincere? He didn’t want to talk about it, plain and simple. “Are you through?”
“Harry…”
“Mr. Potter!” Marjory snapped, getting to her feet. “Do not be deluded into thinking that this concerns only you. You are our leader, and whatever is going on in your head and heart will affect everyone around you. Now you have been so generous to help us all, but if you cannot help yourself, than what bloody good are you?”
Harry shot his head up, pulling away from Lesley’s grasp. “What the hell do you all want from me? Do you want me to say that the second I’m away, all my troubles are just going to disappear? It just doesn’t work that way, and you know it. I’m sorry if I get you all killed! I’m trying, damn it. It’s not necessarily easy being Heir, but you don’t see me backing down, do you?”
“I believe the concern is more for you breaking down. The inquiry into both incidences at Privet Drive last month—” Suddenly Stratford stopped, his mouth still moving but nothing coming out.
“Let me make this clear right now, since you all seem so interested in my personal life all of a sudden.” Harry said slowly, his eyes crackling with restrained anger. “There are two topics that I will not stand to hear in my presence. The first is anything concerning my summer, and That Man’s treatment of me. The second is the death of my Godfather, Sirius Black, and anything leading up to it. You want to talk about my failings as a leader, my inability to save thousands of people I have cared about in my past lives, the fact that I’m in an on again, off again incestial relationship with my selfish, arrogant, conceited, insanely jealous half brother who has no moral core, you’re welcome to it. Pick any failing in my life, current or past, and tear it apart for all it’s worth. Do not talk about my summer or my Godfather.”
Harry took a long look around; he missed the fear they used to have when looking at him. The pity was a fucking kick in the gut. “Lesley, go over the family rituals for now. I need to take a walk.” He left the room, releasing the silencing spell before he shut the door behind him. He needed to be alone.
*******
They just couldn’t let things go, could they? Had to go butting in where they weren’t bloody welcome. So, he had issues? It was none of their damn business!
Growling to himself, Harry swung atop the last landing and used his claws to climb the final feet to the top. White Towers, not surprisingly, had a numerous selection of towers just perfect for climbing. If he had been in a flying mood, it would have been the perfect set up for a nice obstacle course. As it was, it kept everyone else from reaching him now that he wanted to be alone. The tower he had chosen was only accessible through flight or climbing, and the majority of the buggers at White Towers were too snooty to do anything where it looked like they were actually making an effort.
Harry leaned back against the slope of the roof and stared up at the afternoon sky. What in the world did La Lune want with Rowland Loxton anyways? What did he need to know about the Chancellor that was interesting enough to get his brother’s attention…? Rumor was Loxton had another form hidden by dark magic. So, maybe his exritus had shown promise… or maybe he had gone the Riddle route and decided to create his own super powerful body.
Ever since the incidence last Sunday, he’d had trouble breaking into Loxton’s mind. It wasn’t that he couldn’t read his thoughts, so much as, the thoughts he could access seemed too benign to be true. Maybe Loxton did have another form, and was somehow locking his thoughts into that other form. It was possible; that’s the way most Soul Forms worked in the beginning. It took years to get full instincts to pass freely between forms. Loxton could have another form.
…But La Lune wouldn’t give a shit about that. Unless it somehow ended back to the Heir, La Lune wouldn’t be interested. …Wow, that sounded really egocentric. It was rather true for the most part though. He remembered his family now, and his brothers; they were the clearest out of all of it. He didn’t know if it was a gift from Furiae—he had started really remembering them after Furiae had restored his energy. But his interaction with them was the most important out of all the memories he held, even if he still felt a bit detached from it. It was still hard to think of himself as the Heir. That was his other self, not him. Not Harry.
Memories of his family had flooded his dreams last night. It was essential that he remembered them for the eventual confrontation… and maybe he liked that he could understand them too.
There was love there, in their own messed up way. Except, he was the only one who could see it. It was Light really; Light had been lacking in something essential that his children had inherited. Only, Furiae’s genetics had fixed it in the Heir. His other half brothers had not been so blessed. They had to learn to overcome this innate failing… Unfortunately, to the best of his knowledge, not one of them had even tried. Not even his La Lune.
As beautiful, intelligent, creative, and passionate his luminous love was, La Lune was still a fool. And that was the problem, wasn’t it? He couldn’t stop loving him. He certainly couldn’t bring himself to hate him. It would have been easier that way… La Lune had killed far too many of his loved ones for the Heir to be able to face him ever again. That was why he had stayed away for so long, and that was why he was prepared for the worst when the Exault were mentioned. And no matter how much time passed, or how much he tried to explain, La Lune would never understand. He wasn’t capable of understanding.
Once that hadn’t meant anything to the Heir, but now, as the thousands of souls lost by La Lune’s jealous hand began to pile in his heart, he couldn’t pretend it didn’t change anything. It hurt too much… maybe that’s why the Heir had needed to forget.
…So, why did he remember it?
He sighed, raising his hand up in the sky to watch the sun glint off his claws. Somehow he knew it was Furiae meddling in his business. The Soul of Chaos was a particularly bothersome entity at times; he remembered that quite well now, too. Well, if Furiae wanted something, Furiae would get it. There was no point worrying over it, as if he could change things. Besides, he had too much to do, like—
Like… what?
Brow furrowed, he thought back through the past events, trying to find a damn point out of all of it. Complete his coronation? Figure out Loxton’s plot? Find out what La Lune and the Exault were up to? Wasn’t he… hadn’t he been trying to get away from all this?
There really was no place to run. It would follow him everywhere, on Earth all the way to the outer realms. Everyone— good, bad, or gray— would want a piece of the Heir, and there was absolutely nothing he could do about it. This was who he was, whether he could ever fully grasp who that person was or not. So, there was really no point going back to Hogwarts. All those kids; they’d just end up being casualties. There was no point…
…Except for him.
Sighing, Harry sat up and stretched his arms out.
He should get back to the meeting before it got too late. There was only three more days before he was leaving, and he wanted to make sure everyone was prepared.
*******
“Sir Pascal, young Erald, your efforts, thoughtful as they are, are only spooking my ride.” Narcissa carefully removed the reigns from the hands of the Unvoiced and placed herself between the men and her dragon.
Erald raised nervous eyes up the side of the dragon, all fifty-seven feet, three and a half tons of glittering sleek muscle and deadly horns, to where the beast’s eye was staring unblinkingly back. “C-c-c-can I l-leave now?”
“After you fetch the traveling bag, Erald.” Sir Pascal pointed the boy back towards the building and the waiting bag. It was too heavy for him to handle at his extensive age and he had no guilt sending the boy to carry it. It also gave him a chance to speak with Narcissa alone. “You’re sure about this now? You know I can’t fully support this decision with your current condition.”
“Don’t fret about me, Monsieur. I am young and resilient, with a belly full of fire.” Narcissa patted her stomach with an endearing smile. “I still have a bit of magic left for me, and the ride is only a few hours. Everything will be fine.”
Sir Pascal clucked his tongue. “You will be in freezing temperatures with very thin oxygen for over twelve hours. If the need wasn’t so great, I would have you wait… but I am well aware of the stubbornness the dragons posses, and heavens forbid I try to convince a Queen, at that.” He sighed heavily. “You must warn the boy before it is too late. I’ve included the Access Chant, recorded by my colleagues, to let you break through the barrier around the castle. From there you have the option of seeking out the Heir, who will likely be well guarded and surrounded by guests, or you can try to find the First Chair who will be your best ally there. You have the seal?”
Narcissa nodded, pulling her outer cloak aside and revealing a small scroll of parchment hidden in a secret pocket. “I’ll figure it out once I’m in the thick of it. I imagine I won’t be the only one taking the front entrance, but I bet none will be quite a fashionable.” She gave the flank of her ride a hearty smack— in dragon terms a pet since their hides were so thick. “Thank you again for letting me keep Conste in your stables. I know the dear can be quite the handful when in new surroundings. He’s missing Aunt Evelyne and Black Manor, I’m afraid.”
“Nonsense, we were honored to have a Scion in our midst. It was quite the blessing he came to you when he did. There is no safe way for you to apparate such a distance while with child, and flooing is still out of the question.”
“Yes, well, flooing always was my last choice in travel.” Narcissa said a little stiffly, still more than a little enraged that the Council would dare lock her from the castle where generations of her family had dwelled and led. “Oh, do not get watery on me, Monsieur!” She quickly pulled a lacy handkerchief from cloak and dabbed at the older man’s cheeks. “It will all work out, just you wait and see. The Heir will be fine, and pretty soon he’ll be on his way here to learn whatever he needs.”
Sir Pascal nodded with a fluster, trying to wave his emotional display away. “Sorry, my dear. I can’t help but feel like I’m sending you right into the den with nothing but a key and a scroll.”
“Don’t be silly; Conste is the best protector I could hope for. Please, don’t worry for me. I know this will go fine. I have my two children depending on me; I could never let them down by failing.” With a final flourish, she hugged the man tight and step aside so Erald could float her bag up onto Conste’s coach. From the top, a thickly padded quilt containing a permanent warming spell was peeking through. Sir Pascal had thought of everything, dear man that he was.
“Now, happy faces everyone; I never did like teary farewells. I’ll owl you with news once everything is settled. Erald, take care in your studies, and keep a good watch over your grandfather.” She gave a little sigh, and took a final glance at the beautiful little castle hidden away from most mortal eyes.
“Conste, a wing up if you would, please.” She stepped carefully onto the large clawed paw turned her way, and let herself be hoisted up and in the coach harnessed to the dragon’s chest. The Scion dragon race was far larger than the other dragons that roamed the Earth, and with the proper equipment, they could carry a large party without fear of dropping or having the balance affected. It was easy enough as long as the wings, limbs and tail were kept free to move, which the coach, a sturdy box-like structure secured around the dragon’s neck and torso, did quite nicely. It certainly beat an uncomfortable journey on the back, with the jostling of wings, and troublesome clinging for dear life tactics.
“Alright Conste, you know the way.” She gave a final wave to the two watching on the ground as the dragon began its ground shaking preparations for flight. Poor Sir Pascal still looked so distraught. She hoped it wouldn’t be the last time she saw them.
Her cloak flapped violently in the wind from Conste’s wings, the air pulling at her hair and dress. That feeling of being but a little spec in the big sway of the world was strong, but she didn’t allow herself to acknowledge it. She wasn’t going to let her family down. Lucius needed her to be strong; they all did.
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Awakening To the Dream