Capítulo 15: Chapter 15
Magical forms were supposed to be impossible. Absolutely impossible. Harry was trying and failing at becoming a dragon. He hadn't been able to be a Cerberus though, and he still was able to tame that doggy. So, Harry tried a different approach.
The Welsh Green was a magnificent beast. Harry studied it from a distance, drank the scent change that made him smell like a baby dragon, and fed the magnificent creature small amounts several times a day.
He brewed healing potions, and soaked the meat in the potions, feeding it to the dragon in engorgio'd cauldrons of immense size.
It took him ten days to get close enough to start the process of being a dragon rider. He succeeded just in time for the trials.
The dragon was better, but the wound was still there. The beast was still hurt, and Harry wondered why Xeno hadn't finished healing the dragon. He seemed to be content staying behind the blind and watching. Taking pictures of the magnificent creature.
Harry spoke to it in Welsh, and it seemed to understand him. "I want to heal you up, but it will hurt because there is still something physical in the wound."
The dragon had gotten caught by a tree or something, just under the wing. It was a miracle that the delicate wing sails had not been injured. The gash was long, but not that deep. Just dirty.
Harry had been feeding it potion-soaked meat for days, but that could only do so much.
The creature looked into Harry's eyes. The squire was still taking the fire-proofing potion, no need to be careless, but no flames were shot at him. Instead, he heard inside his mind one word.
'YES'
So, Harry accio'd the bits of detritus still in the wound, the dragon making a sudden loud and keening sound of pain. But once the last of the bits were out, Harry cast a powerful healing charm. The wound closed, and the dragon furled and unfurled its wings as a test.
Then it looked at Harry again.
'Thank you, my friend.'
The dragon tilted his head, seeing Harry's desire for a short ride. The great beast hunched down, and Harry used the creature's leg to scramble up to its back.
They took a short, but exhilarating flight over the water before returning to the same spot.
Harry bowed after getting off. "Thank you. I will never forget that." The feeling of the dragonhide, soft and supple under him. The power and strength of the magnificent creature. It was overwhelming.
The adrenaline was wearing off, and he realized how very tired he was.
'Call me at need.'
An image came to Harry's mind of how he could summon this creature. Harry bowed again, and watched as it took off, making its way back to the dragon reserve.
Xeno came out from his blind. "How? How did you cast at a dragon? Magic resistance? And you rode it!"
Lovegood had captured some great pics, but even though he saw everything, he hardly believed it!
Harry shrugged. "You'll tell the commander? Trials start tomorrow, and all of a sudden I need a nap."
Squire Potter was about to faint, but was caught by the journalist.
Xeno shook his head, and without warning, grabbed Harry and activated his emergency portkey that took them to St. Michael's. Xeno then sent off a Patronus.
"Magical exhaustion the day before trials start? Are you touched in the head?" The healer demanded, sounding and looking so much like Sister Gisele that Harry burst into silent tears.
"There, there. I'll have you back up to snuff shortly. You! Tell me what he did, quickly!"
"He healed a meter and a half long, ten-centimeter-deep gash on a beast." Xeno said quickly.
"That shouldn't have caused that much problem." The sister sniffed. The healer clearly indicated her lack of patience with people who were not forthcoming with essential information.
"It was a dragon." Xeno added.
"A dragon. Of course it was! Young man, just who do you think you are you? St Francis?"
Sir Hector arrived just in time.
"No ma'am. He's Sir Harry Potter, Knight of the Order of Merlin."
**OO**
The lights were low, but the soft whispers of female voices woke him.
Harry was hungry, and really hadn't eaten the day before.
"Harry! You are alright!" Hermione said quietly and urgently. She gave him a strong hug, tears flowing into his nightshirt. They had been apart for days.
"I love you so much!" She said, breaking the rules and kissing him.
He kissed her back until he needed to breathe. Her mother cleared her throat. Their magic swirled around them.
"Right! Sorry!" Harry said, remembering the rules. He squeezed his betrothed hand, and stroked the ring there.
"You won't get rid of me so easily, Granger."
Hermione coughed a laugh through watery tears, and was dragged away from his side. Emma took her place for a moment, hugging her future son-in-law gently. She kissed his forehead and then called for food.
"Eat, young man, and then I'll tell you about what my class worked on today. Can you guess the subject?" Emma teased.
Harry slapped his forehead she just kissed, closed his eyes, and pulled the pillow over his face.
"I'm doomed!"
**OO**
When Harry awoke next, it was morning. The Weasley clan was surrounding him.
"Mate! That was brilliant! A dragon! I can't wait to tell Charlie about this!"
"Why not borrow one of Harry's pensieves and show him." Fred opined.
"You were there? How? The trials are tomorrow? Today?" Harry said, looking at the clock.
Knight Commander Romano and Sir Hector came into the room. All of the red-headed boys bowed and started to leave.
"No, you are Harry's friends and can hear this with Potter's permission.
Harry nodded tiredly.
"While trials are held around the same time each year, they are based on real problems. There are watchers and helpers in case a young squire gets in trouble. But you have already proven yourself in the games as a powerfully magical duelist. We needed a different test for you."
"So, the dragon?" Harry guessed.
"Indeed. Some might have killed it to put it out of its misery. You fed it healing potions inside of the meat. Some squires might have chosen to ignore the task completely, thinking it beneath them to help an animal. You used magic to heal it, the same spell that you would use on a mortally wounded brother knight. Xeno watched you perform the last bit, and showed the memory to your family here. We are all very impressed with you, young man. The Weasleys are welcome to your knighting ceremony. Queen Elenora has requested the honor of knighting you. I normally do it, but this is her country, and has done so before for squires that have gained her attention."
"I sense politics here. I was expecting it to be you, but you would be there. Is this one of those things where we gain if we say yes?"
"It is. It brings the magical court some prestige at no cost to us. I'll just make sure that she isn't imperioused or anything."
"Thank you. Good to know that the sword coming near my head won't be used to remove it." Harry stated firmly.
Sir Romano shook hands with Harry and the red-heads, and the Weasleys bowed as the man left.
"Ginny is going to kill mum when she finds out about this!" Ron stated.
"I'm sorry that she wouldn't let her come. I hope to be…"
"Out of here soon. So do I, we need this bed for injured people! Drink this and leave!" The healer stated, but a smile put paid to her words.
A potion was handed to him, and Harry really did feel instantly better.
"Thank you, Sister. I appreciate your care."
"Dragons! We had been warned. I had all sorts of remedies for burns and bites ready. Get away with you! And try not to visit too much?"
And with that, the boys trooped out after paying a short visit to Alice Longbottom to tell her the news. Unsure whether or not she understood it, but she smiled at the boys, and handed them all sweets.
**OO**
Charles and Harry already had the financial arrangements made that could be due to Harry's age. A princely amount from the Black accounts was given to Percy. Percy didn't know about his vault yet, but in addition to gold it held the deeds for five homes and one shop in Diagon that had quarters above it. That was designated for the twins joke shop. It was next to the green-grocer that Moony managed, and he was looking forward to helping the boys when they got started. The siblings would all have homes that they could keep, sell, rent as they choose, but it gave them a start. And Harry was sure that Percy would share out the gold carefully as well.
Mad-eye enjoyed Shell Cottage so much that Harry gave it to him for his use during his life, and after that it would be kept as a Knight's getaway cottage, saved for use by all. The man was touched by the gesture, and made sure to let Harry know that he and Sir Hector were welcome to visit anytime. Well, as long as they proved who they were first.
Other than the Welsh property entailed to the Potter title, everything else currently owned by Harry Potter went to the Order. The Black vaults couldn't be turned over until he was older, but he did sign papers that the maximum amount that could be withdrawn (after the gifts to the Weasleys) would be automatically transferred to the Order. He would have to take care of inheritances as he went along. Sir Romano insisted that Harry not return the Black Seat to the floor, as that would free up the Malfoy's million galleons to aid evil. Instead, it was decided by the High Council, that both Harry and Neville's trust for the seat would be retained by the boys for the potential good that they could do in future.
Sir Hector promised that they would get Harry a voting seat someday. And he knew that there were other older witches and wizards on the Wizengamot who had lost their heirs in the war. Harry would likely inherit again as there were some people in the world that didn't believe Rita Skeeters' lies that the Ministry's propaganda seemed to love to produce against him.
As though Harry snuck back into Britain just to plug toilets in the Wizengamot loos! (Though, to be honest, he did think of doing that as a prank after seeing that article.)
Harry really didn't mind giving up so called treasures. It was other things he truly cared about. The best part was that he didn't have to give up his friendships! Harry wished that he could be fighting side by side with Ron, the boy was a born knight. But if Harry was honest with himself, he knew that Ron would not do even as well as Neville did at this type of school. He needed the structure and scrutiny that Hogwarts provided.
But that was the beauty of the upper school. If Ron wanted to, he could still join the Order later. He wouldn't have anything real to donate to the Order, but that was alright too. They nurtured orphans and foundlings who had nothing, brought nothing but their talents to the Ecole Merlin. And were accepted all the same.
But it was time to get ready.
He was just glad he was feeling better, and the Weasleys were here to help celebrate this day.
The knighting ceremony with the queen would be held three days hence, and be very public.
The ritual to become a knight would be held in the coliseum's ritual room a week from now, and they would be back in plenty of time.
Sometimes thinking about time mechanics too hard made Harry's head hurt.
**OO**
When Harry Potter was seven years old, it was discovered that he had a part of Voldemort stuck in his famous scar.
There were two older knights that wanted to just kill him and be done. It's how they dealt with a lot of problems.
They would never take the time and effort to heal a dragon or wyvern or whatever.
Rituals were researched, but several of the healers were muggleborn, and a couple had studied medicine in the muggle world.
A combination treatment was recommended, and for the most part, it had worked.
Somehow, a bit had broken off and caught on Harry Potter's pituitary gland. It had stunted his growth, his physical maturity without affecting his mental acuity.
It also choked his magic. And Harry was powerful.
Harry walked into the ritual room completely prepared that early Sabbath morning. He had been fasting for twenty-four hours, but didn't mind going without food.
He was freshly bathed, and wore a simple white lamb's wool robe. He came into the room, in bare feet, and knelt in the center of the circle.
The Council had come to bear witness. Sir Hector was his proud proctor and would prompt if Harry got tongue tied on the Oath.
"I stand as a Knight of the Order of Merlin. To dispense justice and Mercy, to be ready to take the life of any evil or vile enemy in defense of the innocent. I will act in all ways as a Knight. I will not seek my own path, but follow the wisdom of my commanders. I will abstain from any carnal pleasure. I will not seek wealth for myself, but share any reward immediately with the Order.
"I will show kindness to the aged and infirm. I will give aid to those in need. And I will keep myself clean, that I may stand in Holy places.
"Should I lose my life in the defense of others, I hope to enjoy the fellowship of my family and fellow knights in the Court above.
"May the Lord bless my efforts to protect others all of my days. May He guide me when in Darkness, and surrounded by evil. May His divine Light keep my feet on the path. I pray for His protection in the defense of others, and give myself to be his servant. Amen."
Chanting, ancient and powerful, started around him. Suddenly, his head. So much pain! The sliver came out of the back of his skull, and instantly he felt better, but the evil was on holy ground and shrieked loudly. A nearby priest, unsure of what it was, sprinkled holy water on it, and it disappeared.
The ceremony continued from there uninterrupted, and Harry felt a warm glow. The priest put a metal badge of the Order on his left breast, and held out a dagger. Harry cut his finger on it, and spread his blood on the four cardinal points.
Peace filled him, and the robe was removed. On his upper left side, was the symbol of their order, blood on the four cardinal points, gold wings underneath.
"My word! I've never seen that before!" The priest said, putting a robe on the Knight indicating his new rank after everyone had witnessed that he bore the Order's sigil. The wings were those that had passed the flight trials, but Harry hadn't started those. Well, HE knew all. And knew he was taking them soon.
That sigil meant that Harry was fully a Knight. No one could force him to do evil. He was a Champion of the Light.
Sir Hector was first to embrace his, grabbing him in a manly hug, then Sir Jerome and Dame Rebecca. Then the rest of the knights, with Monseigneur Brown last.
The council couldn't stay, but shook hands and left to various tasks. Harry was left alone with Sir Hector and Monseigneur Brown. The headmaster shooed the knight from the ritual room, wishing to speak to Harry alone.
"Thank you so much sir! You rescued me when I was a child. You brought me to the school. You saved me, and now, I am very, very happy."
"And in turn, you will save others. We are supposed to expand the Mission, you know. Hogwarts has long been a place where we would like to have a satellite facility. At least offer some of the classes, opportunities to become a knight."
"I agree, but why tell me?"
"Just thinking of the future. It's never too early to hope and dream, Sir Harry."
"Yes sir!"
**OO**
"That's it Narcissa! I mean it! We're done!" Lord Malfoy commanded, expecting to be obeyed.
Ice blue eyes glared at him. "It was your fault that our son lost his magic! We still don't know if he will keep any when the Dark Lord gains his own body! I know what MY family did to squibs, or did you forget that Walburga had a daughter before her two sons. Is that what you want for your heir? A muggle?"
Lucius was tempted to hit his wife again, but this time she had protection, and he wisely kept his temper.
"Then go out of the country! Take our minions, and our son, and go somewhere else! Far away from here, far away from Dumbledore."
"Yes. I'll seek out Dolores' advice."
"Tell her nothing!" The angry wizard demanded.
"You worry too much, and treat me as if I am stupid, husband."
Nostrils flaring, the blond wizard paced. "I know you don't like to be reminded of this, but I do have another son that came before we were together. He could be my heir if Draco does lose his magic."
Lucius was fifteen years her senior. She hadn't expected him to come to her as untouched as she was. But learning he had fathered a child before marriage was a slap in the face.
"Oh? And you would expect me to step aside? Let him be the Dark Lord's chosen ruler of England as he moves on to other countries? The princely seat that MY son was promised? No! I won't condone that! I will do what I must to make sure that Draco is fully restored. With your help or without it."
"If I go to Azkaban, I won't be alone. Then who will be left to take care of Draco? Make sure that he does get his own body back?"
Narcissa wheeled back as if struck. The Dark Lord would never dare hurt her son! He had made promises, oaths!
Hadn't he?
**OO**
Wearing his dress tunic, Harry Potter took his place in the Grand Hall. It was transformed from a place of meals and study to a medieval looking audience chamber. Queen Elenore, appropriately dressed, was ensconced on the transfigured throne. Professor McGonagall had done an excellent job.
All the other squires were knighted first. It went by the order in which they joined the school. Harry was just fourteen, and was going to be the youngest knight in some years.
Harry was sad that his friends weren't with him in line, that they hadn't succeeded in their trials, but it wasn't surprising. He was very young to have won, and he felt that he got lucky with the choice of trial for him.
Invitations had gone out to several holders of the Order of Merlin, but Harry didn't see Dumbledore in the crowd. He did see some other people from the ICW meeting nodding at him, which he returned with a somber nod of his own.
His eyes lingered on the row with all of the red-heads, Hermione, and her parents, Millicent, Luna and her father, Mad-eye, Tonks and every knight who had helped him get to this point.
This was their accomplishment too.
Then it was Harry's turn to stride up the deep crimson carpet. The crowd was on its feet, silent, but honoring the boy's already amazing accomplishments.
Harry knelt, and the queen was about to start when a phoenix burst into the room, carrying a sword gripped by the pommel. He swooped down and let the lady take the blade from him.
"My word!" The queen said, reading the name. "This is the sword of Godric Gryffindor!"
The phoenix soared high above them, singing, and the clouds broke for a moment, and a burst of sunshine lit an aura around the boy as the queen laid the flat of the blade on his shoulder. He took the vows solemnly. As she carefully handed him that ancient relic, the crowd burst into cheering for the magic, the magnificence of what they had seen.
Minerva McGonagall eyed the blade, and quickly conjured a scabbard for it. Sir Hector stepped forward with a leather strap. A quick spell, and the knight put the empty belted scabbard on his former squire's waist.
As soon as the sword was safely sheathed, the queen grabbed him into a surprising strong and warm embrace.
"When you are done with the Order, you always have a place at court. We can use an honest and good wizard like you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Harry took three steps back, bowed, and walked back out, but the Weasleys didn't, couldn't wait any longer, and swarmed their friend and patron. Hermione wormed her way into his arms, then Luna, but Millicent stood back. He brought her in to the group hug as well, reveling in the feel of his true family around him.
Harry took time to sing a few notes to Fawkes who chirped back, and then flamed away home.
**OO**
Harry wasn't surprised by the paperwork involved, except for the offer to act as an Auror in both Italy and France. Mad-eye pointed out the benefits of having those badges, and the red robes.
Instant camouflage for urban environments. No one looked at aurors in the eye, not even honest people.
Professor McGonagall and Mad-eye had come up with an ingenious way of getting him registered as an animagus without it impacting any potential good in future.
They registered him as an Italian citizen, the rights a royal retainer, and used a picture of his fawn form.
"No one is going to consider this a threat. I mean, look at that white mark on your forehead! It looks like a heart. Such a sweet deer." Professor McG pointed out.
"Yeah. Sweet baby hart. Ha! Valentine. Valentino. There ya go. Register Valentino." Alastor suggested. "The Queen will make sure it's kept quiet.
"And no one need know of your other form, you rascal! Two forms! Goodness me!" McGonagall was proud as could be.
Mad-eye started to say something, but Harry shook his head. True, why waste a potential prank, and he and Minerva had been friends for a long time.
**OO**
Harry was on the very top of the tower after the signing was done. Now that he was a full knight, it was one of the privileges, and he wanted to see the view of Vatican City, the wonderful cathedrals, and the sparkling lights from this vantage.
"Harry, people are looking for you." Millicent said. She was wearing the squire tunic as most of the others in their cohort did. Well, except for Hermione. She had dressed up.
"How did you know where to find me? I told Soda I wanted forty-five minutes."
"I made a copy of the map when I was helping Remus make it. May I come to Hogwarts with you?" Millicent asked hopefully.
Harry looked into Milli's face. When Harry first met her, he thought that she looked like a troll. But getting to know her? Seeing her working so well with Joseph, knowing that something was building between them. She had changed.
She wasn't going to be winning any bathing beauty contests soon, but Harry realized that she WAS prettier than he remembered.
He had to be honest here, because as much as they wanted things to be better in Britain, it was going to take time to root out evil.
"Millicent, as much as I don't want you anywhere near Snape or any of the other Death Eaters, I could use your help and support. But please, please, be careful. Wear your emergency portkey bracelet at all times. You could be used as a hostage against me. Let's not give them another chance to kill you, please. Just because you're Light."
"There you are Harry!" Hermione's voice laughed. "The queen sent me to find you. She wants to talk with you about something. Remember to be nice!"
Hermione was dressed in a champagne colored, very grownup stylish gown.
Harry felt it! At last! His princess was dressed like a queen, and he while he was a little embarrassed that he reacted to her beauty, he was glad that he was healing. Growing up. He was happy to see her, and wanted to do nothing more than kiss her.
Again, and again and again.
But he had just taken the oath, and as he pushed down these new feelings for Hermione, he noticed a strong emotion underneath it all.
Peace.
He offered Millicent and Hermione an arm each.
"Let's get back to the party then. Enjoy the view a moment, my ladies."
And they returned to the lights and music and food and celebration.
**OO**
Her Majesty Queen Elenore had a few advisors with her this night. She represented the hosting country for the Knights of the Order of Merlin. Her Majesty did not, and never would rely on the Order for local constabulary or internal matters. Offering Harry Potter a position as auror gave him political protection, and she would never abuse that. On the international scene, she did have a lovely spy network, and kept the Knight Commander apprised of any potential serious threats.
"Sir Romano, may I introduce Edward Long. He is a merchant of fine antiquities, and has some rare items that your Order could use. I will, of course, be your patron here."
It was code for 'my spy has important information for you, please listen to him. And yes, I am paying the bill.'
The man walked over to the head of the Order. On hearing what he needed to reveal, an appointment was made for later that evening in the Knight Commander's office.
Harry had reentered the room at this point, and he was waved over to the queen.
"I was surprised to not see Albus Dumbledore here tonight. He tried to make himself your magical guardian, and did vote your seat until just recently.
"Really? The deposit was reclaimed some time ago. The notice to the Wizengamot must have gotten lost."
The queen held a small box.
"I know that you can't have this in the field. But I wanted you to know that I obtained it for you. Albus wasn't holding it until recently, he just hid it from you that he didn't have it. Edward Long has been making discreet inquiries. He may have posed as a long-lost pureblood of Potter blood. Close enough to claim the title. For the right price. If he could only find the ring."
Harry clapped his hands in delight, but did not touch it. It looked as though it had been in a great fire recently.
"Mr. Potter, do you know that your family ring went missing at Hogwarts in the early 1940's? Charlus Potter was there as a school governor. He was injured and had to remove all of his jewelry and magical items. Now, he was already seated on the Wizengamot, and had claimed the seat. The was stolen, along with his vault key, watch and other valuables. Gringotts was notified immediately, the vaults locked down and the students questioned. Nothing, not even the ring was ever found. Lord Potter had a copy made, one that had a Griffon on it instead of the Peverell family crest.
"But something else was stolen from him that day. Something that had been in your family a long time. A wand. It was snuck to Germany, given to Grindelwald."
Harry was not stupid, they clearly wanted him to surmise where the wand was now.
"Okay. He was finally captured by a group of knights that had been aptly aided by...Dumbledore has my family wand? Why didn't he give it to me when I was there?"
Edward Long brought out a children's book. Harry remembered it fondly. Sister Gisele had not only read it to him, but he and the other students had practiced their skills by reading to the younger ones.
"I don't think he was quite ready to give it up. Be careful. We are dealing with powers beyond our kin."
Mr. Long opened it to the story of the three brothers.
'Oh, boy. I just can't catch a break.' Harry thought to himself.
**OO**
The next few days passed in a whirlwind. Harry was able to take the Weasleys on more than a full tour of the school. They were allowed to fly, to practice, to participate in everything and anything they wanted.
Ron was very, very impressed by the lack of long essays.
"What do I care if you can write three feet of parchment? I want a report, in block letters in pencil or pen, legible, and concise. I don't have all day to read!" One of the professors told Percy.
"Wow! I'm truly wishing I had not signed the contract to teach DADA at Hogwarts this year."
Sir Jerome heard that. "You're going to be a professor at Hogwarts? No disrespect intended but you look a bit. Well. You look my age, and I've only been a knight three years."
Percy blushed. "I'm nearly nineteen, sir. But I did get twelve OWLs all at O, and twelve NEWTs the same. I earned special commendation for DADA, but I give credit to Harry. He has been sharing books and spells and all sorts of help."
"No need to be embarrassed, that's what we do here. Practice our skills by teaching others. So, did you get your curriculum from the ICW yet? If not, you could get a portkey stop at the Education Office in the main building and pick it up. Ever so useful for lesson plans, as it is all broken down by year. There are some great textbooks for sale too, so you can get those, and get a list of them to Flourish and Blotts right away."
Percy was scribbling notes as fast as possible.
"And I need to remember to get Bill into the office before I get there." Percy said. "He's a curse-breaker.
"Smart! Very smart. Yes, we heard about that from Professora McGonagall. Come on, it's time for battle transfigurations. You do not want to miss this!" Sir Jerome said, and put his arm around Percy.
"Now, start on the first day, and be very, very firm! Don't be afraid to hand out unfair detentions as long as you punish every single infraction! Being hard during the first week or two will help the entire term. Go easy on them, and they will eat you for lunch! I have some books that you might read. Do you have access to a pensieve? If not, borrow one from Harry. Yes, I could make copies of some lectures that would help you too."
They got to the edge of a large rectangular area, and Sir Jerome waved them all to chairs.
"This is great! But why are you helping me? Being so nice? Aren't we the enemy or something?"
"Most definitely not! And besides, the way that Harry treats you, and you treat him? He might not understand it, but it is family."
Percy looked over to Millicent and Harry who were looking at the random objects in the dirt. There was a very large rock, an empty pail, a broken chair, a muggle football, and other random objects. The other side of the rectangle was a different pair of students, and the same setup, just reflected. Objectives apparently changed, and wouldn't be given until the match started. No magic at the beginning was allowed, and the large timer on the side was running out.
"The objective is to get the ball inside the bucket at the midline without physically touching either the bucket or ball. Go!"
While Millicent did a quick reparo on the chair, Harry righted the bucket, and floated the ball into it. He clearly had the power that he could just float the bucket to the midline, but he was looking for something unique to do.
Millicent whispered in his ear. There were feathers and such, so they were floated over to the chair as well. Harry emptied the bucket, and partially transfigured into a saddle, but Millie didn't have the chair done yet. Many boys his age would have taken over. But he waited, and his patience was rewarded.
Her smile at the completed Pegasus lit her face!
Harry floated the bucket saddle, and Millie floated over the ball. Together, they got the Pegasus 'flying' to the middle line.
They were not the first ones there, but the competition wasn't judged just on time.
The other team had floated the bucket and ball to the center line, and then put the ball into the bucket.
The judges, a couple of eight-year-olds, it appeared were discussing the score.
"Harry and Millicent gain all ten style points, 8 points for use of materials. You missed the carrot that could have been a horn or something, and the bit of rope could have been a tail. The rock was a distraction. It has been warded, so you didn't use it and didn't waste time trying to use it for the wrong thing. What else? Oh, time. Millicent, your transig..transg.. You did great. Next time, try to go just a bit faster? Maybe practice. You got five out of ten for speed for twenty-three. Congratulations, your team wins!"
The other team earned ten out of ten for speed, and a few courtesy points.
"That was wicked!" Ron said. "We should do this at Hogwarts!"
Harry looked down.
"Mate, I know by the time that you're seventeen, that you might not want to come here, but I do have a dream of fighting off dark lords with your help." Harry said.
Percy was looking around like a kid in a candy store, making notes.
"Sir Jerome, may I owl you?"
"Percy! May I call you that? There are so many Mr. Weasleys here. Let's get you a communication mirror. I would be very happy to stay in touch with you. I'll let you know my office hours, so you know when the best times are to catch me. With the new power boost to the mirrors, you should be able to reach me through the wards. I'll teach you the emergency codes, but don't abuse them. What else? I do hope that you will think about spending some time here in a year when your contract is up. We need good people like you."
"Thank you. That means a lot to me. Especially since I was having so many problems at the ministry getting a job."
"You should think about being a knight. One ten-year stint is enough to open a lot of doors. How many voting seats do you hold Harry?"
"One on the ICW, and I have already served once there. That's quarterly, and you can believe I'll be watching them, and sending a regent if I can't go. Hey Percy! Sir Jerome. I know it's tradition for a serving knight to vote a brother knight's seat, but could Percy vote it, you know, if he was available and I needed a regent?"
"Of course. And now that you've taken your oath, he could vote a seat for you if you inherit another in the Wizengamot. You could try getting the Black vote back, but I wouldn't recommend doing that until you save a magical village from a dragon, or put down this Voldemort once and for all or something. Something bigger than cleaning a stable."
"But what if it was a really gross and really stinky stable? Had lions in it or something?"
"I would expect you to turn into the world's largest…"
Harry was shaking his head. Oh? He hadn't told them. Clearly, keeping his animagus talents secret amongst the Order did have advantages. Well, except for certain staff members. Professor McG had only found out recently.
And wasn't she embarrassed about accidentally mailing a student!
"You know, I lost my thought. Percy, it was a pleasure to meet you and your siblings. I have to go. Harry, please get Percy a mirror with connection to us both."
"Yes, Sir Jerome. I will do that right away."
"Harry? We are equals now. We ask each other for help all the time." The knight reminded him. "Et domus sumus"
"Yes, sir. But I've been an apprentice or squire for seven years, and I've been a knight for just over twice that many hours. It's going to take time.
"Indeed. Farewell all." Jerome gave them a jaunty wave, and went off to his next station.
"Do you get to wear fancy clothes like that?" Fred asked.
"That split riding tunic with the Order's heraldry? Only once I qualify for mounted combat. Those trials are in October. And April. I might not get to do them this October depending on deployment.
"Shall we go on with the tour?" Harry asked.
Ron was definitely coming here just as soon as possible. Harry had written letters, but seeing this in person was something else.
They got up to the next level of a tower when Hermione emerged from the library. Harry, for a few seconds, got to tell the twins apart as Fred reddened, but said nothing.
She started to hug Harry, but remembered his vows.
"You are in public, Miss Granger." Percy said, tapping on her shoulder.
"Didn't see you there, Mr. Weasley. Hope you are enjoying your time here, Percy. Sir Harry."
"Squire Hermione." Harry said.
It was going to take time to get used to being apart after being together near daily. At least to he got to spend time with Neville.
If he had known that he couldn't be alone with Hermione, would he still have taken his vows? Probably, but it still hurt. A loss.
"I had been going to remind you of the tickets to the World Cup, but my mother isn't coming. With only Penny and Angelina as adult women coming, I don't think we have enough chaperones."
"I had thought of going and doing a little shopping. The invite said something about rare books. But that's okay if I can't. I don't know if Harry and Neville have decided yet. But I'm sure that more adult women could be recruited to go if needed."
**OO**
Luna had decided not to tell her father about all of it; he would interfere with what had to happen.
"Harry, the family ring you were given. Carry it will you at all times! And the cloak. If you get a chance to gain the wand, do so."
"Luna, the Master of Death was just a story. We don't know the real power if it was true."
"You father had been about to banish Binns. The governors had voted to remove him. The wand wasn't stolen by accident, it had been a plot for Grindelwald's agents to get it. It was gained when a powerful wizard protected the ghost. Harry, please listen. You have the chance here to do something powerful, something wonderful. Be ready."
She wanted to tell him more, but there were swirls in the future and too many images. The Grim showing up scared her as sometimes it meant protection of the innocent.
And sometimes it meant Death.
**OO**
"One hundred thousand witches and wizards, Hermione. And the Weasley seats are in a prime private box, which means that they will be at the very top. Are you going to be okay?"
Fred and George were a commercial success. They were the ones that had purchased the premiere box, and wanted to make sure that their patron was invited. Plenty of room after all.
Their conversation was interrupted by a Scots brogue.
"There you are, you wonderful boys! How are you? How have you been!" Professor McG asked.
Percy nearly cried seeing her, he was so happy! The prefect had not been made head boy due to his vociferus argument with the transfigurations teacher that he was now going to have to teach next to. Well, at least the so-called former death eater knew not to insult him, or Percy would punch him again.
"I can't thank you enough for the books and the materials you sent. I owe my grades to you." Percy thanked her.
"I hear that you are teaching at Hogwarts. I wanted to warn you about some rumors I heard. As a professor, you can wear a medical portkey out of the wards. Wear one that will activate if you ever lose consciousness."
"Yes, ma'am. Mad-eye Moody is around somewhere. He said the same thing. And gave me an emergency kit that included poison if I was captured.
"Dear Alaster is a bit intense. I was happy to see ye at the ceremony last night. Good of you to come." The animagus professor smiled at one of her favorite students.
"Professor, I can't believe that I am inviting you when we plan to sell loads of pranks there, but we do have several extra seats. You could come to the World Cup with us." Fred invited.
The professor's eyes sparkled nearly as brightly as Dumbledore's. "Why, I would love to. There's a group that has a ten am portkey. We can join them if you like. Plenty of room for more."
"Harry had said something could be arranged. That's perfect."
The group talked logistics for a moment, since the game was starting late in the day. Harry was just glad to be invited. He was in an odd limbo, since taking his vows. He could study anything that he liked, well, with approval of and likely guidance from High Command.
Sir Hector had been one of the Order's Magical Creatures Specialists. He had actually received a mastery in the field due to his work. He never killed when he could rescue. But would kill an out-of-control dragon or chimera if needed. Animals attacked villages or humans under unusual circumstances. Most magical creatures were smart enough to know to leave wizards alone.
Harry and Luna were the students that had the most affinity to magical creatures, and Luna was studying to be a magizoologist. Harry just didn't want to have to kill any innocent animals that had been summoned or whatever. Unless it was a demon creature. They had rituals to send those foul beasts back to the pit where they belongs.
Harry was waiting on further orders, and had not seen Luna much at all. He had noticed her and her father at the knighting ceremony, of course, but Harry wondered if Luna could be invited and asked Fred privately.
"Oh sure, plenty of room. We knew Luna growing up. I'll have to be sure and tell mum that she is coming. The papers should have the list of new knights out. That should be paid to any rumors of you being evil. Maybe she'll let Ginny come. They were good friends when they were younger.
Back in Britain, a man trying to help his country, saw the list of new knights.
"NOOOOOO!"
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